SPOTLIGHT

Patrick Hatch was born a native of Durham, NC, to parents who were an educator and advocate for community literacy, and a parent who was a carpenter and advocate for skilled trades training for youth.

As a young person, Patrick Hatch was raised and immersed in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where he participated in several programs and activities for Christian youth. He received direct influence from significant African American leaders, including the late John Hope Franklin, historian and tenured professor at Duke University, and Rev. William Barber, former president of the NC NAACP and current leader of the Poor People's Campaign National Initiative.

As a teen, he attended a historically Black legacy high school, Hillside High School of Durham, NC, where he participated in Student Council, S.E.C.M.E. (which is the precursor for S.T.E.M. education), instrumental music, English and creative writing, and the drama program. There, he studied under Ms. Donna Buie Dill, who starred in the original “Color Purple” movie opposite Whoopi Goldberg, and under award-winning theatrical educator Mr. Wendell Tabb, who is now the namesake of the performing arts space at Hillside High School. It is there that Patrick was cast in his first singing role on stage as the abusive father in the play “I Just Want To Tell Somebody.”

After graduation, Patrick Hatch felt compelled to answer the call to Christian service. He enrolled in the Missionary Training Program of the Mt. Zion Christian Church, which led to the formation of satellite churches and other Christian service organizations. After 2 and a half years of participation, he left the mission field and became a husband and father.

After Patrick left full-time ministry, he leaned into his roots in Gospel music. He pursued many Gospel music opportunities and sang with various groups, including The New Generation Singers of Durham, NC, The Voices of Faith Fuel Missionary Choir, The Victory Through Faith Praise and Worship Ensemble, and The Danny Graham Singers out of San Diego, CA. He often sang in groups that shared the stage with legendary Gospel artists such as Pastor Shirley Caesar and The Sensational Nightingales. One of the greatest highlights of his time in San Diego was meeting the late and legendary Andrae Crouch.

In 1996, through a serendipitous meeting, Patrick Hatch and Brigette (Ways), now Brigette Washington, met at a job interview, which led to participation in the stage production “The Trials and Tribulations of An Adolescent,” which debuted Sunday, April 13, 1997, at the Durham Arts Council. Since that time, they have remained in contact with one another and inspired one another to move forward in faith and continue creating content with faith and intention.

Patrick Hatch is a dedicated son to his parents, a father of three young adult children, a devoted family member and friend to his community, and a host to family and friends.

Currently, Patrick Hatch is a member of Russell Memorial CME Church, where he helps on a committee with planning fundraising programs and supports the Media Ministry and Social Media Ministry. Patrick Hatch is actively collaborating with Brigette Washington as a creative advisor and music and arrangement editor. He is also working on a collection of Gospel music for virtual platforms as well as writing a script for a live stage show. His future also includes advocating for people with disabilities to participate in the arts.