The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble was founded by renowned musical director, music educator and activist Bettye Franks Forbes in 1979 for participation in the re-opening celebration of the renovated James Memorial Chapel at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. The Ensemble's wide-ranging repertoire brings together a body of work which has come to be identified as the African American religious experience. Included in the repertoire are traditional and contemporary spirituals, anthems, hymns and gospels. One of New York City's great cultural treasures, The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble has performed throughout the United States and abroad.