The African Children's Choir was created following the brutal reign of Idi Amin in Uganda, during which hundreds of thousands of children were orphaned and left starving to death. The singing of one small child inspired founder Ray Barnett and his team of volunteers to recruit the first choir from among these desperate children. Their mission is to show the world that Africa's most needy and vulnerable children have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability.

The African Children's Choir will present "Journey of Hope," which tells the story of their way out of war-torn Uganda in 1984. The choir's joyful music is a blend of song and dance throughout the entire continent of Africa, featuring more than 10 languages, unique cultural dance and gospel favorites.

Tickets for the concert are on sale at the Memorial Auditorium ticket office. Tickets are $10 for students, $18 for seniors and $20 for general admission.

The concert is presented in conjunction with the Institute for the African Child's upcoming conference, "Including Children: Celebrating 10 Years of the Institute for the African Child," that begins Thursday.

-- From staff reports