He’s most known for being a member of The Sojourners and the founder of an applauded 50-strong gospel group, but there’s more to Marcus Mosely than musical talent.
This month, Mosely was among 20 recipients to be awarded the BC Achievement Foundation’s Community Award. The performer took home the Mitchell Award of Distinction, which recognizes those who have demonstrated an “unwavering commitment to elevating people around them” via work or volunteer activities.
“I’m still a little bit in shock. I had no idea that there was even a possibility of being put forward for an award like this,” said Mosely, nearly two weeks after attending the presentation ceremony in Victoria.
Mosely, whose dedication to community welfare has grown to become as weighty as his contributions to the local music scene, said helping others is a natural inclination.
“I just do what I do. I’m fortunate enough to do what I love as far as doing music and singing and communicating with people, and so speaking out on issues like social justice and encouraging people to be compassionate and to care about their fellow human beings, that’s just what I love to do.”
For over four decades Mosely has entertained crowds as a gifted singer, with an expansive repertoire spanning gospel, blues, and soul music.
Through his music and events he has spotlighted the rich history of black music and culture. His annual Black History Month “Songs of Freedom” celebration has become a staple in the Vancouver community, his public speaking, guest radio presenting and self-held workshops for children has left an impression on those young and old and his community choirs and public events have risen money for various charities and local food banks.
Mosely credits much of his generosity and compassion to his mother, a community leader who was always heavily involved in the local church and its mission work.
“If there was a family that was sick, you bring them food. If there were people who were having a hard time, you pull together your few little extra coins or you would take over some extra clothing. It was always important just to help out, and be very active in the community,” he said.
"Those ways of being are just things that I grew up understanding to be important. If you’re part of a community, you give what you can.”
While Mosely originally hails from Texas, it is Canada, specifically the North Shore, that he considers his home and his community, he said.
“This community has really given me the opportunity to create a career, and it’s wonderful being here.”
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
