Testimonials

Before joining Known MPLS I didn’t really have a sense of community. I struggled a lot with connecting with people and really putting myself out there. Becoming a part of Known MPLS not only gave me a place to connect with others that share similar experiences, but a place I could connect with myself and learn more about who I am. Being a part of Known MPLS taught me how to be a strong team member, and an even stronger leader.

Known MPLS has changed my life. I asked God to put me back in spaces with people who love to create music– music that excellently glorifies Him. I’ve grown immensely in my voice, stage presence, consistency and determination that follows me into other areas of my life. I now look forward to the weekly challenge of learning new songs on the spot, and putting myself out there through solos and meeting new people. My spirit and soul truly enjoys being surrounded by talented, Christ-centered, young Black and Brown folks. So far, I have had the privilege to work with global artists that love the Lord, to share my life-saving testimony in a safe space, and to make new friends who are also on this journey of walking with Christ. It’s an honor to have been chosen to be a member of this exceptional choir. Known MPLS has been an absolute answered prayer for me. May God continue to bless this ministry and our wonderful leader Courtland.

This choir has been a safe space where I can show up exactly as I am. It’s a place where my voice is heard, my presence is valued, and my heart feels at home. In a world that can be loud and demanding, rehearsals are a breath of peace — a time to pour my emotions into music without fear of judgment. Here, we are more than singers; we are a community that listens, supports, and believes in each other. The love and acceptance in this room remind me that I don’t have to be perfect to belong. Being part of this choir has shown me that music can heal, and that sometimes the greatest harmony comes from simply feeling safe together.

Known MPLS is such a healing space not just for me but for others. I always look forward to coming every monday and gigs. My friends make fun of me because often times I will quit on doing something to go to choir and that’s because choir is a space for me that feels space. As a transplant of Minneapolis, it’s been hard to integrate into community but Known MPLS has become my family and a community of love and care. I constantly witness how it has helped my own confidence as well as others. It Is an incubator for the next young vocalists and leaders in Minneapolis and it’s incredibly beautiful to witness the impact of Known MPLS not just amongst ourselves but as well as the community.

Known MPLS has helped me fight the ugly versions of myself & put the work to the woman I want to be. The one that was mad, hurt, ashamed.. Known MPLS forced me to show up in excellence no matter what it was I was going through, at the end of the day I ended up feeling better because I am EXCELLENT’ The whole choir is filled with love and support, once I announced my pregnancy there was nothing that they wouldn’t do for me and my baby. I got cards filled with words of affirmation and prayer, phone calls, gifts & support. We have created a space where we can cry together, laugh, we try not to be aggressive but if it can down to it I know Known MPLS has my back. It has been 6 years filled of writing my life story and accepting my calling God has put on my life through music and worship. Courtland has taught me what it is to be an artist but also a steward and a servant to God.. putting God first in all that I do. Known MPLS is that church that some of us didn’t have until we were able to find our own, Known MPLS is that shoulder to cry on after a hard week, Known MPLS is the teacher who pushes you hard so you can ace that test, Known MPLS is that one thing you can call and share the great news to. Known MPLS is family! And I’m thankful for the time I spend, the grace I receive, the criticism.. it’s all apart of who I am today.

Being a member of Known MPLS has impacted me in ways I didn’t know were possible before I joined in 2022. This choir has provided me with friendships and relationships that have taught me to be more empathetic, and be a leader among my peers. It’s helped me grow into a more confident performer, and more importantly, a worshipper. Through this choir, I’ve had countless life-changing opportunities to sing amongst incredible musicians, fellow believers, and in front of people whose lives have been touched by our voices. It’s a blessing to grow and thrive in a space where I can share my talent and do what I love, all while spreading the love of God with and for His people.

I first joined Known MPLS in my second semester of my first year in college. From the moment I met Courtland Pickens I knew he was a kind hearted genuine soul. He made sure to check in on me when I was struggling emotionally in my first year. I will always remember those moments of Courtland being a mentor of mine. Known MPLS is a space for young black youth to walk into their faith with God. Coming from a college that is a predominantly white university, Known MPLS has given me a space to be my authentic self and develop more into my god given self. Many times there are not youth spaces for people to talk about their relationship with God and Known has been that space for me. Learning about other people’s testimonies and learning music that has touched my heart has carried me through hard times at school. Known MPLS is not just about singing it’s about creating space where black youth can show up authentically and thrive. This space is truly touched by God.

I’ve only been in the choir for about two months, but honestly it already feels like home. From the first day, Known MPLS made me feel welcomed and like I’ve been here way longer than I actually have. It’s more than just singing, its laughs, real conversations, and people who actually care about each other. Being here has given me family and a community I can lean on. I’ve found people who will pray with me, encourage me, and push me to grow both in my gift and in my walk with God. Every rehearsal reminds me it’s bigger than music it’s ministry, it’s love, and it’s something I’m really thankful to be part of.
So I’m forever grateful for known MPLS!

Being part of Known MPLS has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Musically, I’ve expanded my vocal range, learned to blend more seamlessly with others, and strengthened my stage presence so I can connect more deeply with an audience. I’ve also had opportunities to grow in leadership, which has built my confidence and stretched me in new ways. Beyond the music, Known MPLS has given me a community of amazing people—some of whom have become good friends—where I feel supported, encouraged, and inspired. One of the most meaningful parts of being in Known MPLS is how openly it embraces faith. It’s refreshing to be in a space where talking about Jesus feels natural and welcome. I’ve been able to not only sing about my faith but also live it out—praying in person for others during rehearsals and witnessing the way God moves in our midst. This choir is more than a place to sing; it’s a space for joy, spiritual growth, and connection. I’m so grateful to be part of something that uses music to inspire, unite, and glorify God.

I’ve been in Known Mpls for almost 3 years now. Being adopted and going to a primarily white school meant that I didn’t have a lot of spaces with people that looked like me. Not only has being in Known encouraged me to grow in my faith, it even made me want to get baptized. Known has taught me that worship can connect you to God but it can also connect you to the people around you. Having a safe space like known is something that I’ll forever be grateful for. Being in Known has shown me that worship is a powerful weapon against the enemy and also an encouragement and act of praise. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to join this wonderful choir and not only that but that we have an amazing Director, Courtland, that encourages us in our faith and supports us in all aspects of our lives.

Before joining Known MPLS, I didn’t fully understand where or how to use my voice, but this space has opened my eyes and heart to the power and impact it can have. Before I joined, I had been praying to God for a place and a way to share my voice. One day, at a thrifting convention in Minneapolis, I unexpectedly ran into Courtland, a God sent moment since I hadn’t seen him since childhood. We caught up, and when the idea of joining the choir came up, I knew instantly this was the opportunity I had been praying for. Since then, I’ve been incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many talented vocalists who inspire me to keep growing, not just as a musician, but as a person. In this choir, we are trained not only to excel vocally but also to be resilient, disciplined, and hardworking. I’m deeply grateful for every opportunity this choir has given me, and especially to Courtland for welcoming me into this space and continuing to guide me, even on the toughest days.