Latest news with #BlackBaptist
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative announces dedication ceremonies
The Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative has reached a significant milestone in its mission to document the region's Underground Railroad history, with an additional eight verified sites now officially listed on the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Supported by an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Grant awarded to the Lawrence Economic Development Corp., this nine-county, tri-state project spans the tristate region of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. When completed, the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tour will consist of 27 verified Network to Freedom sites. The initiative aims to preserve historically significant locations and promote economic development through cultural tourism in the Appalachian region. The Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative will host two dedication ceremonies during the month of June to unveil the historical markers indicating sites added to the NPS Network to Freedom. The Campbell House, home to John and Elizabeth Campbell, served as a station for Underground Railroad operations in Lawrence County, Ohio. The Campbells worked with other local abolitionists to assist freedom seekers in the area. This dedication event will be held on June 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. and will take place at The Campbell House, 305 N. 5th Street in Ironton. Also, taking place on June 4 at 11:30 a.m., will be the dedication of the Ironton African Methodist Church. The African Methodist Church of Ironton, Ohio, known today as Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, was founded by Retta and Gabe N. Johnson. The couple helped freedom seekers escape through the Hanging Rock Iron District, a region encompassing the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky and what was formerly part of the state of Virginia and is now part of West Virginia. This even will be held at the Ironton African Methodist Church, located at 514 S. 8th Street in Ironton. Two locations in Portsmouth will be dedicated in on Sunday, June 8. Pleasant Green Baptist Church, Portsmouth's oldest active Black Baptist congregation, was founded by formerly enslaved individuals and allies and has deep connections to Underground Railroad history in Appalachian Ohio. Allen Chapel AME Church, a historic African American church with roots tracing back to the pre-Civil War era, Allen Chapel played a pivotal role in supporting freedom seekers in Portsmouth. As a central institution within the local Black community, the church's members, including John J. Minor and his wife, Martha Minor, Joseph Love, John Q. Weaver and his wife, Mary Weaver demonstrated resilience and agency, actively participating in the Underground Railroad and leaving a legacy of courage and hope that continues to inspire future generations. This dedication event will take place on June 8th at 4 p.m., at 1421 Waller St. in Portsmouth. Dr. Andrew Feight, Director of Research and Outreach for the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative, expressed the importance of this work, stating, "It is exciting to see this federal investment in the historical assets we have in the tristate region. Our research is recovering important lost chapters of local history that will transform our understanding of the past and help draw interest and visitors to the region. This is a history for which we all can be proud as Americans and it's an honor and a humbling experience for me to play my part in the endeavor." Marty Conley, LEDC/Tourism Director of Lawrence County, Ohio, added, 'We're honored that the Appalachian Heritage Freedom Tourism Initiative has helped make it possible for the National Park Service to recognize these Underground Railroad sites. This is a meaningful step in preserving these stories, and we look forward to safeguarding even more local history for future generations.' 'Pleasant Green Baptist Church symbolizes the importance of the history of the African American church as it relates to what it means to help people be set free,' explained Rev. Antonio Neeley, the Pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, who has also served as an Outreach Specialist on the project. 'The church assisted freedom seekers in gaining their freedom, which is important to both American and world history. I am proud to be connected to these great leaders of Portsmouth as an African American male, a pastor, a Christian, and a citizen of the city of Portsmouth.' Karen Nance, Outreach Specialist for Cabell County, West Virginia reminds us why the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative is important for the region: 'The biggest thing we need when we tell the stories of slaves is that we need to remember that they were people. They had talent, ambition, work ethic…all the things that make human beings human beings. We know all these things about the enslavers - the architecture they lived in, the clothes they wore — and we need to know more about the enslaved. We're telling heroic stories of people who were seeking their freedom.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dedication ceremonies planned
The Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative will host two dedication ceremonies in June, unveiling the historical markers indicating sites added to the National Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. They will be: -June 4, 10 a.m.: The Campbell House, 305 North Fifth St., Ironton. The house was a station for Underground Railroad operations in Lawrence County and the Campbells worked with other abolitionists to assist freedom seekers in the area. At 11:30 a.m., the ceremony moves to the African Methodist Church, 514 South Eighth St., Ironton. Known as Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the place of worship was founded by Retta and Gabe N. Johnson, who helped freedom seekers escape through the Hanging Rock Iron District. -June 8, 4 p.m.: Pleasant Green Baptist Church and Allen Chapel AME Church, both in Portsmouth. Pleasant Green Baptist Church is the Portsmouth's oldest active Black Baptist congregation, founded by formerly enslaved individuals and allies. Allen Chapel AME Church has roots tracing back to the pre-Civil War era; the church played a pivotal role in supporting freedom seekers in Portsmouth. As a central institution within the local Black community, the church's members, including John J. Minor and his wife, Martha Minor, Joseph Love, John Q. Weaver and his wife, Mary Weaver, demonstrated resilience and agency, actively participating in the Underground Railroad and leaving a legacy of courage and hope that continues to inspire future generations. The Network to Freedom program, created by Congress in 1998, highlights more than 800 places and programs and verifies that each one is a true story about the men, women and children who freed themselves or were helped by others to escape enslavement. The Network to Freedom program has listings in 41 states, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. For more information, visit
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nashville Then: American Baptist College, founded in 1924, over the years in photos
The American Baptist College started as the American Baptist Theological Seminary to educate Black Baptist ministers. The college was part of Nashville's Civil Rights Movement.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder lead tributes to Robert Flack in memorial full of music and memories
The life of Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack was celebrated in a public memorial service that included performances by Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill and Wycleff Jean of the Fugees. Flack, whose transformative covers of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' made her a global star in the Seventies, died last month aged 88. A statement from her representative said that she died at home on Monday morning (24 February) 'surrounded by her family', noting her role as a 'proud educator' as well as an artist who 'broke boundaries and records'. At her star-studded memorial service held at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York – one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the US – white and yellow bouquets adorned the venue while a screen played highlights from Flack's career. Later, it would broadcast music industry legends paying tribute to Flack, including Clive Davis, Dionne Warwick, India Arie and Alicia Keys. It was a fitting location, acknowledging how Flack was born to musical parents, including her mother, Irene, a church choir organist who introduced her to gospel from a young age. The programme featured a powerful quote from Flack that was repeated by many speakers during the service: 'Remember: always walk in the light,' Flack said. 'If you feel like you're not walking in it, go find it. Love the Light.' Former vice-president Kamala Harris sent a statement that was read aloud: 'Ms Flack broke down barriers, paved paths of opportunity, and fully embodied the words my mother often said to me, 'You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.' As an activist and Grammy-award winning singer, her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.' Lauryn Hill, who led the Fugees' gorgeous take on 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' in 1996, held back tears as she said Flack's existence was 'a form of resistance'. 'I adore Ms Roberta Flack,' she said. 'Roberta Flack is a legend.' She then proceeded to sing a cover of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face', followed by 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' with Wyclef Jean, and Wonder accompanying on the harmonica. 'The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to see even better with your heart,' Wonder said. 'And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart.' He performed his song 'If It's Magic' before taking a seat at the piano to sing a song he wrote for Flack, 'I Can See the Sun in Late December', accompanied by a harpist. 'I love you, Roberta, and I will see you,' he said at the end of the performance. Rev Al Sharpton, who gave the eulogy, said Flack put 'a soundtrack to Black dignity', as others observed that her musical genius stemmed from her ability to move seamlessly between soul, jazz, gospel and beyond. Flack demonstrated a rare ability to cross between genres with ease, whether on her tender cover of Ewan MacColl's ballad 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' or on the meltingly smooth 'Feel Like Makin' Love'. 'The reason we're here is because she made a difference,' Sharpton said. 'And we should all ask ourselves when it comes our time, will they pack a church for you? If Roberta were here tonight, she would tell you, 'Don't just praise me, emulate me.''
Euronews
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder perform at Roberta Flack's 'Celebration of Life' musical memorial
The incredibly moving service held at New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church featured musical performances and speeches. "Roberta Flack is legend," said a visibly moved Lauryn Hill. ADVERTISEMENT A public memorial service bursting with music, including planned performances by Stevie Wonder and a surprise one by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean of the Fugees, celebrated the life and legacy of the Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack. Flack died last month aged 88 and is remembered for her ability to seamlessly move between soul, jazz and gospel, as evidenced by her transformative covers of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Killing Me Softly With His Song'. The ceremony, 'Celebration of Life', was held Monday afternoon at New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church, a historic Harlem institution and one of the oldest Black Baptist churces in the US. It was open to the public and livestreamed on the late artist's website and on YouTube. People attend a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack's life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church - Monday 10 March 2025 AP Photo American civil rights activist Al Sharpton gave the eulogy, saying that Flack "put a soundtrack to Black dignity,' adding: 'The reason we're here is because she made a difference. And we should all ask ourselves when it comes our time, will they pack a church for you? If Roberta were here tonight, she would tell you, 'Don't just praise me, emulate me.'" Al Sharpton speaks during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack's life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church - Monday 10 March 2025 AP Photo 'Her existence was a form of resistance,' Lauryn Hill said in her speech, holding back tears. 'I adore Ms. Roberta Flack. Roberta Flack is legend.' The Fugees did a masterful take on Flack's cover 'Killing Me Softly With His Song', which won the group a Grammy. Hill performed a cover of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' followed by 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' with the Fugees' Wyclef Jean — with Stevie Wonder joining in on harmonica. 'The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to even better see with your heart. And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart,' Wonder said. He performed his song 'If It's Magic', accompanied only by a harpist, before singing a song he wrote for Flack: 'I Can See the Sun in Late December'. Here are some pictures from the moving ceremony: Senior Pastor of The Abyssinian Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Johnson speaks during the ceremony AP Photo A choir performs during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack's life AP Photo Lauryn Hill of the Fugees performs during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack's life AP Photo Wyclef Jean, left, and Lauryn Hill of the Fugees perform during the ceremony AP Photo The Nebulous String Quartet from Berklee College of Music performs during the ceremony AP Photo Stevie Wonder attends the ceremony AP Photo Stevie Wonder performs during the ceremony AP Photo 'Many of us are here today because she has touched not just our hearts but she also touched our souls,' said Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, the senior church pastor who led the service. Roberta Flack AP Photo Roberta Flack. 1937 - 2025. Rest In Peace.
