[Jonular]

Joy Williams, multiple Dove Award nominee and Reunion recording artist, closed the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center dedication ceremony Monday night with a soulful rendition of "The Impossible Dream." With the Freedom Center as her backdrop, Joy brought the crowd to its feet.

"I was both humbled and honored to be invited to help commemorate the center's opening," noted Williams prior to her performance. "This museum is a tribute to the human spirit and a reminder of where humanity must continue to battle."

During the 1800s, more than one hundred thousand enslaved fugitives sought freedom through the Underground Railroad. Many of the fugitive slaves fled across the Ohio River – the symbolic gateway to freedom. Situated in Cincinnati, on the banks of the Ohio, the Freedom Center will celebrate the legacy of courage and multicultural cooperation embodied in the story of the Underground Railroad, as well as educate the public about the historic and continuing struggle to establish universal freedom in both the United States, and around the world.

Bill Hemmer, co-host of CNN's "American Mornings" served as master of ceremonies, and actress Angela Bassett (Waiting to Exhale) was also on hand to show support of the center's dedication.

Joy Williams launched her career as a songwriter and vocalist at 17. At 21, she is working on her third album, slated for national release in April 2005. For up-to-date information on Joy Williams, please visit www.joywilliams.com or www.reunionrecords.com.

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