Celebrating Black History Month at St. James AME

St. James AME Church in Cape Girardeau recognized Black History Month on Feb. 28 with a celebration that included song, dance, poetry and messages of hope. The church, itself steeped in the history of the community, was decorated to honor the occasion and welcomed all who came to the event that was a fitting culmination of the annual observance.

Various church members and groups participated in the celebration with the goal of keeping black history alive and offering education on a subject that, according to member Ramona Bailey, is not taught in our schools.

"I'm a parent and a member here, and having children and being a person of color myself has made me realize that they don't teach [black history] in school. There's a need for it, and I'm glad that [St. James AME] is teaching it," Bailey said.

St. James is to be commended for recognizing the importance of honoring national and local black figures. Attendees were treated to the poetry of literary greats Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, both of whom have roots in Missouri; baseball legend Jackie Robinson; and co-host of ABC's The View, Whoopi Goldberg, among others.

Though the "history" in "Black History Month" is paramount to the celebration, it's important to note, as did church leader Debra Mitchell-Braxton, that we must look ahead because there is still "work to do in this community." We agree that reflecting on a past steeped in overcoming obstacles, conquering fear and embracing hope serves to help create a future where hope abounds through those lessons that history teaches.

"We want to keep the positives alive," Bailey added. Thank you, St. James, and all who brought this event to our community. It is but one tool to assure that black history, such a significant aspect of American history, never dies.