Dr. Diane White-Clayton
Dr. Diane White-Clayton will speak about “Jesus, the Ultimate Rebel with a Cause,” on Thursday, Sep. 27 at 3 p.m. at the Berea College Accent of Christian Faith Lecture in Phelps Stokes Chapel.
This lecture, sponsored by the Willis D. Weatherford Jr. Campus Christian Center, will discuss the common depiction of Jesus as frail and tender-hearted, as well as the uncommon depiction of Jesus as a rebellious, defiant trouble-maker who never allowed rules to dictate his path. Berea College, whose rebellious beginnings directly defied societal norms of the time, challenges new rebels who, through faith and determination, will change the world.
White-Clayton, a native of Washington, D.C., holds master and doctoral degrees in music composition from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with emphases in composition, voice and piano. White-Clayton began performing at age of 4 in the Baptist church where her father pastored. She began conducting choirs by age 9. She travels as a vocalist, pianist, composer, conductor, workshop clinician and speaker throughout the United States and abroad.
White-Clayton has held positions at universities and churches across the country, including as artistic director for the Washington Performing Arts Society gospel choral program; artist-in-residence with the School of Music and assistant director of African-American Student Development at Appalachian State University; choral conductor and pianist at the New Christ Memorial Church under the legendary Pastor Andraé Crouch; and currently as Director of choral music at Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles, Calif., where she founded the acclaimed Sacred Praise Chorale.
White-Clayton, affectionately known as “Dr. Dee” is an inspirational speaker and author, who combines genuineness, eloquence and faith. She has produced recordings, published compositions and released a self-published book, Journey to the Altar. White-Clayton is founder and CEO of BYTHAX, a publishing and production company with a resident ensemble of uniquely talented performers. She teaches as a vocal clinician for Disney Performing Arts in Anaheim, Calif., and resides in Los Angeles, Calif., with her husband and best friend, accomplished R&B percussionist, Joe Clayton.