Black History Month is observed each February in the United States and Canada, as well as in October in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The origins of Black History Month date back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) sponsored a national Negro History Week during the second week of February.
The first Black History Month was organized by the Black United Students at Kent State University. The first celebration took place at Kent State in 1970. President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Throughout February 2021, three ELPC singers—Adrianna Cleveland, David Jennings-Smith, and Denise Sheffey-Powell—and guest soloist Chantal Braziel will present special music during our Sanctuary worship service each Sunday in honor of Black History Month. Click on the links to read more about the arrangers of the music and join us for worship on YouTube and Facebook each week in February.
Sunday, February 7
David Jennings-Smith
Little David, Play on Your Harp – arr. Harry T. Burleigh
Sunday, February 14
Adrianna Cleveland
Guide My Feet – arr. Jacqueline B. Hairston
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – arr. Jacqueline B. Hairston
Sunday, February 21
Denise Sheffey-Powell
Hear the Lambs A-Cryin’ – arr. Harry T. Burleigh
Sunday, February 28
Chantal Braziel
Give Me Jesus – arr. Moses Hogan
Prayer from Nightsongs by H. Leslie Adams (text by Langston Hughes)