African-American History Month: "We've Come This Far By Faith"

Photo by Megan Good

Novelist and Pastor Angie B. Williams, Wednesday's guest speaker in Chapel, helped kick off African-American History Month.

The theme for African-American History Month 2006 at EMU is, "We've Come This Far By Faith." The celebration opened with the Feb. 1 University Chapel presentation by author Angie B. Williams.

Williams, who was recently ordained as a Pastor for Special Ministries in the Mennonite Church USA, wrote the book Joy in Adversity. Her personal story of overcoming adversity ties in with the theme of this month, which takes a look at the important role that faith has played in the past and the present journey of the African-American community.

Highlighted events this month include the African-American Read-in and the Sixth Annual Gospel Extravaganza, presented by the Soul Food Cafe. This "soul" stirring event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 5 in Martin Chapel starting at 1:30pm. Students from Multicultural Services, Black Student Union, and the Gospel Choir will turn Martin Chapel into a "Soul Food Restaurant" where patrons can come and enjoy a home cooked meal including cornbread, fried catfish, collard greens, peach cobbler and other traditional favorites.

During the 1:30 p.m. meal, the Education Department will host the nationally celebrated African-American Read-in. Guest readers include Williams, Dr. Joanne Gabbin, and Dr. Abraham Davis. At 3:00 p.m., the Gospel Extravaganza will move to praise time, led by the EMU Gospel Choir, Unified Community Gospel Choir, and New York City gospel artists Unconditional, who are back by popular demand. While there is a charge for the meal, admission for the event is free. A "love offering" will be taken during the Gospel Extravaganza.

Tickets for the meal can be purchased through Multicultural Services, the Education Department, or at the door. Ticket prices are $10.00 for general admission and $4.00 for EMU students. The event planners promise the public that attendees will have their mind, body, and souls fed all in time to get ready for the Super Bowl.