Special celebration honors Black History Month

By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Posted 11/7/19

For a third straight year, a special ceremony was held at the Wesley-Smith Chapel in Wright City to celebrate Black History Month. Event organizer Barbara Love says the service is a way to honor …

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Special celebration honors Black History Month

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For a third straight year, a special ceremony was held at the Wesley-Smith Chapel in Wright City to celebrate Black History Month.Event organizer Barbara Love says the service is a way to honor those who paved the way for African-Americans and American freedoms in general.“It’s not only black history, but American history,” said Love. “We don’t emphasize areas like slavery much because I want them to know that we’re all one people worshiping the same God.”The event opened with selections from the men’s and women’s choir and included several special guests.Money Edwards, an 8-year-old from St. Louis, recited selections from Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Visitors also witnessed the interpretive message of the Praise Dance Team from Rhema International Ministries.There was a segment during which the ceremony spotlighted moments in black history, discussing inventions and innovations by African-American creators.Love said the goal through the message is to inform and inspire.“We try to let people see parts of history,” she said. “We have stories about people who have invented things. We try to enlighten them on things that are happening in the present and things you can do in the future.”In addition, Tiffany Noggins shared a dramatic spoken word presentation. Guests then welcomed keynote speaker Kiya Edwards from “Today in St. Louis” on News Channel 5, who shared her journey of faith through the broadcasting field. Her road has taken her from Minnesota to Kenya, back to a job in Iowa before landing in St. Louis.The ceremony concluded with a recognition of “Living the Dream,” with Sonda Ball, owner of Ball’s Q Shack in Wright City, being honored.“We want them to know that no matter what went on in the past, now we have the opportunity to do whatever we want,” said Love. “There’s nothing that you can’t do, because of all the people who paved the way for us.”

Tiffany Goggans performs a dramatic speech presentation during the Black History Month celebration held at Welsey-Smith Chapel in Wright City on Sunday, Feb. 19. Music, poetry, dance and guest speakers were a part of the third consecutive ceremony. Record photo/ Derrick Forsythe photo.


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