JUST LIKE SELMA

ABOUT THE "JUST LIKE SELMA” HYMN-SING PROJECT

NEWorks Productions is inviting congregations nationwide to join us in a special hymn-sing project during February 2026. This project commemorates the 100th anniversary of Black History Month — founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson — by uniting churches and chapels in singing “Just Like Selma,” a new social justice hymn composed by Nolan Williams, Jr., chief music editor of the bestselling African American Heritage Hymnal.

WHY THIS SONG? WHY NOW?

The struggle for voting rights that defined Selma sixty years ago is not ancient history—it’s a present reality. As new generations face renewed battles over democracy, access, and equality, Just Like Selma reminds us that the courage and strategy of those who marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge remain urgently relevant. We stand at a crossroads once again, and the time to learn, reflect, and act is now.

confirmed participants (to date)

Atlanta, GA

Cascade United Methodist Church

Houston, TX

Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

Humble, TX

The Luke Church

St. Louis, MO

New Life in Christ Church

Stonecrest, GA

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

How to Participate

STEP 1. Register your ministry

- Each participating ministry leader must complete the short online registration form below.

- Registration ensures that your ministry is officially part of this nationwide initiative and that you receive appropriate resources, updates and recognition.

STEP 2. Receive materials from NEWorks

- After registration, you will receive:

Audio reference (demonstration recording)
Sheet music (PDF)
Suggested introduction text for use in your worship service

- These materials are provided to support accurate preparation and presentation.

- Additional support materials are available for purchase, including:

Complementary worship video (to enhance your presentation of the hymn in worship)
Vocal stem track (can be used to enhance live presentation)
Part reference tracks (to assist singers in learning the hymn arrangement)

STEP 3. Select your preferred service date in February 2026

- You may schedule to sing the hymn on any day in February 2026 that best fits your worship calendar. PLEASE DO NOT PROGRAM THE HYMN PRIOR TO THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.

- Please notify NEWorks of your chosen date via the follow-up form or email (new@neworks.us) so we can track and amplify your participation.

STEP 4. Prepare & present the hymn

- Incorporate the hymn into your worship service.

- When introducing the hymn, please credit the hymnwriter and mention this special NEWorks initiative (sample wording provided).

- Strive for musical and spiritual excellence in your presentation.

- Be intentional about engaging congregants to sing along

STEP 5. confirm Recording & media use

- Please ensure that your church’s video team captures the hymn presentation (if your service is recorded or streamed).

- By participating, you grant NEWorks permission to extract and post the video segment of your ministry’s hymn presentation (with proper credit) to further amplify the impact of this project.

STEP 6. Amplify the message

- Have your media team release the video of the hymn presentation (in whole or in part), using the hashtags:

#FreedomAdvances
#JustLikeSelma
#NEWorks

- Be sure to tag us on your social media posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at new@neworks.us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Q: Do we have to sing the hymn on a specific date?

A: No. You can select any Sunday in February 2026 that works best for your church. Just let NEWorks know your chosen date.

Q: Is there a cost to participate?

A: No. Participation and all provided materials are free of charge. Additional support materials are available for purchase, but these materials are optional.

Q: What if our church doesn’t have a full choir?

A: That’s fine! The hymn may be presented by a soloist, ensemble, praise team, or congregation—whatever best fits your ministry setting. In addition, a vocal stem track is available for purchase if this will enhance your presentation of the hymn.

Q: Can we use our own musical arrangement?

A: We ask that you stay true to the a cappella arrangement provided.

Q: Will NEWorks use our entire worship service video?

A: No. NEWorks may use only the hymn portion of your service video for distribution and promotional purposes, giving proper credit to your church.

NEWorks Productions

"Imagine 100 congregations across the nation uniting in worship through the singing of a new social justice hymn. Well, this February 2026, we won't have to imagine..."