Hello World,
I’m so glad churches and other worthy organizations aren’t paying attention to the notion that Black History Month is no longer needed, an inane idea proposed by FOX commentator Stacey Dash…
Below are 10 activities that churches and more around the country are hosting to celebrate Black History Month, the one month of the year that the accomplishments of black people are consistently celebrated…
1. Alabama Music Hall of Fame Celebrates Black Gospel Music for Black History Month
Excerpt: On Sunday, Jan. 31, The “Amen To That” event is set to honor and revive black gospel music which served as a focal point for many songs and artists who left their mark in musical history of Muscle Shoals. Performing during the show will be St. Paul Choir, Russellville, Howell Sledge of Leighton, Rev. Jerry Reeves and The Galilee Missionary Baptist Church of Leighton, James Brown Gospel Choir of Tuscaloosa, and The Gospel Imperials of Huntsville. See more at: wbrc.com
2.First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, Virginia Restores Bell for Black History Month
Excerpt: On Monday, Feb. 1 through Feb. 29, First Baptist Church is allowing visitors to reserve a time to go to the church and ring its historic bell. The church, which was founded by slaves 240 years ago, acquired the massive steel bell in the late 19th century, but it has been inoperable since the days of racial segregation. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has returned the bell to working condition so it can be rung every day in February. Also, celebrities including hip hop mogul Russell Simmons and legendary vocalist Aretha Franklin will be a part of this church’s effort, according wtop.com. See more at: wtvr.com
3. Rice University in Houston, Texas to Host Discussion of ‘The Black Church and Politics’
Excerpt: On Monday, Feb. 1, Rice University’s Religion and Public Life Program will host “The Black Church and Politics,” a panel discussion featuring commentary from Marcus D. Cosby, senior pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church; Korie Edwards, associate professor of sociology at Ohio State University; and Omar McRoberts, associate professor of sociology at University of Chicago. See more at: news.rice.edu
4. Stamp Will Honor Philadelphia’s Richard Allen, a Founding Father of America
Excerpt: On Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the church Allen opened in 1794 and the first home of the A.M.E. denomination he founded in 1816, the U.S. Postal Service will formally unveil its Richard Allen Black Heritage stamp, the 39th stamp in a series honoring African American leaders and “culture-shapers whose lives changed history.” The ceremony is timed to kick off the A.M.E. church’s bicentennial year and, by coincidence, comes less than two weeks before Allen’s 256th birthday, Feb. 14. See more at: philly.com
5. Jennifer Pinckney, Charleston Church Shooting Survivor, to Speak at Duke University in North Carolina
Excerpt: On Tuesday, Feb. 9, Jennifer Pinckney, widow of the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, who was among nine killed last year in the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, will take part in a roundtable conversation at Duke University. The event, “Reflections on Charleston: A Conversation on Faith and Race,” takes place at the Page Auditorium. See more at: today.duke.edu
6. CEO of Greening Forward to speak at Black History Event at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Greenville, South Carolina
Excerpt: On Saturday, Feb. 13, Charles Orgbon III, who is studying environmental economics management at the University of Georgia, will be the featured speaker during St. Philip’s Episcopal Church’s Black History Month celebration. In addition to being a college student, Orgbon is also the CEO of Greening Forward, a nonprofit organization that “establishes, engages and empowers a diverse environmental movement powered by young people.” Greening Forward was founded in 2008 by Orgbon when he was 12. See more at: greenvilleonline.com
7. Church, Faith and the New Hampshire Community: A Black Woman’s Perspective
Excerpt: On Sunday, Feb. 14, Discover Portsmouth is hosting a “Tea Talk” panel discussion featuring: Rev. Lillian Buckley, Rev. Lauren Smith, Minister Olga Tines, Mrs. Florine Hilson and Mrs. Nadine Thompson. The black church has historically been seen as the backbone of the black community and the center of political and social life for African Americans. These church leaders will discuss the role of the church in their lives. Through their experiences in ministering and serving in a predominantly white state we will learn about the role of faith as a strong guiding force in their lives. What they give and receive from their spiritual communities and why church life continues to be so important to so many black women will be highlighted. See more at: portsmouthhistory.org
Any thoughts?