HAMPTON — Before an enormous audience in the heart of Vatican City, Nakia Madry-Smith was part of a moment that was beyond imagination.

“It was overwhelming in the best emotional way,” said Madry-Smith, director of Campus and Community Initiatives for the Southeast Peninsula at Virginia Peninsula Community College. “Everyone was in tears as soon as we got there.”

As a member of Virginia native Pharrell Williams’ gospel choir, Voices of Fire, she was on stage at St. Peter’s Square, performing backup for world-renowned musical icons, including Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson and Williams himself. The concert was a musical celebration at the Vatican in September. Livestreamed globally via Disney+ and Hulu, the event was part of the Jubilee Year preparations, a Catholic traditio

See Full Page