Church will celebrate Black History Month with program

One area church plans to honor Black History Month with a special program open to the entire community.

On Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m., Welcome Travelers Missionary Baptist Church will hold a Black History Month program designed to celebrate the past and create excitement for the future.

"The program concept started back when the month of February was declared Black History Month. For many years the church has been celebrating Black History Month," said the Rev. Donald Bookard, pastor of the church. "The Black History Program has been one of the most important programs of them all for us. It's important for the black church to remember lest we forget the bridge builders who help us to be where we are today. It helps us to teach our children of the rich heritage we have as a people."

The program features a considerable amount of music as well as the honoring of influential African American leaders.

"During the program there will be old Negro spirituals such as 'Old Mary Don't You Weep,' 'Amazing Grace,' 'Give me that Old Time Religion,' 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot,' 'Kum Ba Yah My Lord' and more," said Bookard.

Among the leaders to be honored are Dr. Martin Luther King, Michael Jackson, President Barack Obama, Dr. Maurice Wallace and community leaders. The children's ministry in the church will perform a skit, and there will be a historical trivia "guess who" portion. Church members will dress up as a character, and the audience will guess who they are.

"Everyone is invited," said Bookard.

Welcome Travelers Missionary Baptist Church is located at 617 Wire Road in Aiken. For more information on the Black History Month program, call Debra Bussy or Bernice Jenkins at 642-2815.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.

Want to Go?

What? Black History Month Celebration

When? Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m.

Where? Welcome Travelers Missionary Baptist Church

Cost: Free