MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Two Central Georgia natives used their angelic voices to carry them into college and into the world beyond. They say they'd would never have been able to have some of their experiences if they hadn't followed their musical passions, and now, they want to bring those passions back to Milledgeville in the form of a free concert.
In the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday rang out two voices familiar to Central Georgia, Justin Miller and Ontario Williams.
Miller is from Sandersville and Williams is from Milledgeville. They met in high school on opposite choirs, but got into music for very different reasons.
Miller grew up inspired by gospel from a young age, but pursued music despite the encouragement to pursue football in a sports-crazed Washington County.
“I love football, but when I found the music in me I knew that was something that was gonna take me far,” Miller said.
For Williams, inspiration and motivation came from his musical brother who'd later fall ill with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which burns the skin from the inside out.
“It just looked like he was having so much fun doing something that he loved and I said to myself that I want to try it,” Williams said.
The pair's pursuit of their gifts led to college scholarships to Augusta University, musical awards, and competitions around the country. Despite the success, they noticed something -- they were often the only black people, much less black males, in the room.
“It’s very different not seeing people of color, male or female, in the opera or classical world, but I think my biggest motivation is I'm not less than any other person. If they can do it, so can I,” Williams said.
The pair haven’t performed at home since they jetted off to college, but said they want to bring their talents back home to share with friends and family and inspire other young black men to pursue their passions.
“If you're talented in more than one thing, go out and do it because you never know where that can lead you in life,” said Miller. “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do it.”
Ontario Williams said he plans on teaching music, and Justin Miller will pursue a Master's degree.
The homecoming recital will be Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Milledgeville at 210 South Wayne Street. It is free to the public.