Remembering an Oakwood Musical Legend

Dr. Alma Montgomery Blackmon Assistant Professor of English at Oakwood College in the 1970s, and beloved former director of the Aeolians (1973-1985), Mother of Brenda Blackmon Wood and Keith Wood of Atlanta, and “Ma” to so many Oakwoodites the world over.

Born and reared in Washington, D.C., Alma attended the District of  Columbia Teachers College.  In her 42 years of teaching, she gave classroom instruction to a diversity of learners.  Upon her joining the faculty at Oakwood College in 1973, Mrs. Blackmon was asked to assume the leadership of the Aeolians, which had lain dormant for several years.

Alma wrote a book chronicling her life and testimony, entitled This is My Story, referencing her favorite hymn “Blessed Assurance.”  Alma was honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the United Christian Artists Association and the Adventist Musicians Guild.

Under her leadership, the Aeolians became a greatly respected choral organization of international significance.  The young people who sang under her direction became, in effect, a tightly-knit family, who had planned to have a tribute concert for her on June 13.  However, when Alma passed away on June 11, her family decided to use that venue for the funeral service instead.  A brief memorial service was also held on June 15 in Oakwood’s Moseley Complex, followed by her burial at the Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

One of Alma’s mission projects was to build two wells in Uganda, Africa. Donations for Alma's wells will be received by her church, Buckhead Community Fellowship. Checks addressed to Buckhead Community Fellowship may be sent to 4100 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA, 30342, with notation of "Alma's Well" in the memo line.

Alma whole-heartedly dedicated her talents to her Creator.  Her contributions to education, music and the lives of countless young people  will have a long-lasting impact.  In many ways, Alma’s remarkable life was like a song itself—melodious and sweet, yet powerful and strong.  Her song will be a part of our lives forever.