On May 18th, 2024, a historic meeting took place in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 100 gospel music industry executives came together and agreed to form the Gospel Industry Coalition (GIC), a new organization that would serve to unify the members of the gospel industry community.
The need for the coalition was apparent. So many changes had taken place in the gospel arena over the past decade and a half, and especially since COVID, yet, there had not been a unifying organization. GIC became that organization.
The vision was led by Dr. Teresa Hairston Jackson and her husband, Don Jackson. Both Teresa and Don have been trailblazing pioneers in the gospel music industry for over 40 years. Teresa is founder and publisher emeritus of Gospel Today Magazine (1989-2013), as well as the founder and current vice president of the Gospel Heritage Foundation (1994-present). Don is the CEO and founder of Central City Productions, and founded the Stellar Gospel Music Awards 39 years ago. He has successfully positioned the Stellars as the most watched televised gospel music awards show in the world.
Among the attendees at the initial GIC meeting were leaders in television, records, radio, publishing, artistry, promotions, and marketing. The discussions were ranged across several subject areas however the overwhelming and resounding decision at the conclusion of the meeting was “Yes! We definitely need to move forward with an organization that brings us all together and speaks with one voice.” The theme “Together with One Voice” was unanimously adopted and over 50 attendees pledged financial support to the organization as founding and supporting members.
