Story and photos by L. M. Land
Featured photo: Aaron Malone was joined by his wife on stage when presented with a golden record by Carter McWright of Music Planet. Shown are (l to r) Henry Dwayne Rankin, Jr., Vernilla Malone, Aaron Malone and James Knox, Jr.
The Flint Southernaires celebrated 60 years of gospel soul at their concert on April 19, 2026, at Macedonia MBC. They were surprised to be awarded the Michigan Cultural Heritage Award, in the category of ‘traditional quartet Gospel singing’ at the concert.
The award was presented by Micah Ling, PhD, associate director for the Michigan Traditional Arts Program and curator of the Michigan Traditional Arts Research Collections at the Michigan State University Museum.
They were also awarded a State of Michigan Special Tribute. The document declares in part that “In Special Tribute, therefore, this document is signed and dedicated to commemorating 60 years of uplifting gospel ministry. With heartfelt appreciation, the Michigan State Legislature acknowledges and values the hard work and dedication of The Flint Southernaires”. This award was signed by Gretchen Whitmer, governor; Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor; Jim Cherry, state senator and Cynthia Neeley, state representative.
Broderik Washington and Aaron Malone
The singers at the time of the award were original member Aaron Malone, as well as Dominick Houston, Broderick Washington, James Knox, Jr. and Henry Dwayne Rankin, Jr. The band members were James Jones, Eric Love, Terence Kiff, Bernard Kiff and Otis Love.
The Michigan Traditional Arts Program is “a statewide program that works to advance cross-cultural understanding through the documentation, preservation, support, and presentation of traditional arts, folklife and everyday culture in Michigan” (see link below).
The Flint Courier News featured a story about Aaron Malone and his life with the Flint Southernaires in our March 15, 2026 issue, which can be found online at https://theflintcouriernews.com/aaron-malone-celebrates-60-years-of-gospel-ministry-the-flint-southernaires/
To see the Southernaires award page at the Traditional Arts Program site:
https://traditionalarts.msu.edu/mha-awardee?kid=ef9cd9fd-9746-4e0a-ae24-311a6532e180
To learn more about the Traditional Arts Program and to make nominations:
https://traditionalarts.msu.edu/
In 2025, another Flint area group was nominated, the Flint African American Quilters Guild. See their award page at: https://traditionalarts.msu.edu/mha-awardee?kid=1676cff5-2acb-4303-9cab-ca49bc1586fc.
