BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN JACKSON—From left: Gladys Anderson, Bridget Chandler, Buni Wendt, Angie Goodman, Lois Watkins, Margaret Brooks, Rickie Barnes, Forrestine Gray and Jackie Smith. [Photo by Ezell Wilder]
Jackson, Tennessee,
celebrates Black History Month
JACKSON, Tennessee—In February, the Jackson women’s ministry sponsored special presentations at the beginning of worship services to observe Black History Month.
On Feb. 3, Margaret Brooks told about poet and teacher James Weldon Johnson, and then gave a dramatic reading of Johnson’s poem, "The Creation."
On Feb. 10, Gladys Anderson read a poem about Rosa Parks, titled "Act of Courage," written by member Forrestine Gray, and then gave some history about Mrs. Parks. Mrs. Parks refused to give her bus seat to a white person in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, which led to a bus boycott by blacks.
Margaret Brooks, Forrestine Gray, Falola Potter, Brittney Smith, Jackie Smith and Lois Watkins sang the spiritual, "Wade in the Water," accompanied by drummer Chad Brooks. This was followed by a liturgical dance to CeCe Winans’ "The Alabaster Box," performed by Renee Robertson, daughter of a friend of Mrs. Brooks.
On Feb. 17, Forrestine Gray reported on Ruby Bridges Hall, who as a 6-year-old became the first black child to attend an all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1954. A portion of a video about Ruby Bridges was shown, in which the little girl said that she prayed for those who were calling her bad things and asked God to forgive them, just as he had forgiven those who said bad things about him so long ago.
Ms. Gray said that she had learned that reconciliation does not begin without forgiveness.
On Feb. 24, Mark Smith told of entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker, and her contribution to the beauty culture of black women. "Lift Every Voice and Sing," formerly known as the Negro National Anthem, by James Weldon Johnson, was sung by Margaret Brooks, Forrestine Gray, Jackie Smith and Lois Watkins. Then the congregation joined in singing the anthem.
A portion of a video teaching of Beth Moore regarding prejudice and reconciliation was shown, and Falola Potter sang a rousing, "As Long As I’ve Got Jesus," written by Vicky Winans.
Pastor Wayne Wendt’s testimony and sermon added to the reconciliation theme.
Many of the women wore hats to church, and after the worship service, members enjoyed a meal. Forrestine Gray and Peggy McIntosh.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN JACKSON—From left: Gladys Anderson, Bridget Chandler, Buni
Wendt, Angie Goodman, Lois Watkins, Margaret Brooks, Rickie Barnes, Forrestine Gray and
Jackie Smith. [Photo by Ezell Wilder]
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002