Page 14 - Bethel Annual 2019 Report

Christian Education

T
he documentary, Footprints in the Sand,
was a creative and stimulating avenue to
engage church members personally in
highlighting the movement of their ancestors and
family members throughout the African Diaspora
and America. The Honorable Robert R. Meacham
Lecture Series featured Sister Sylvia Thomas, an
ordained minister and author of eight books. She
discussed her latest publication, The Remnants of
Israel-This is Our Story; the Biblical History of
Black People. The Meacham Lecture Series also in-
cluded a showing of GOIN TO CHICAGO, a docu-
mentary film produced and directed by George
King, winner of the National PBS Broadcast Award,
which chronicles the personal stories of Mississippi
Delta natives and their migration from the rural
South to cities in the North and West in the pursuit
of a better life.
The Black History Month Newsletter, Poster
The African American History Program also includ- Displays, and Information Tables exhibited
ed the Bethel Art Show and Author’s Exhibition, and depicted African American experiences dur-
featuring several books written by Bethel Associate ing the Black Migration with special focus on
Minister, Reverend Dr. Ronald Glenn, and show- living conditions, employment, urban churches
casing the artistic and literary talents of over 20 and new religions, racial discrimination, black
entrepreneurs and the Harlem Renaissance. Ad-
Bethel members with paintings, photography, quilts, ditionally, written tributes to Bishop Richard
baskets, private collections and book signings. A Allen, Founder of the AME Church and Bishop
special highlight of the show was the display of art McKinley Young, the 35 Presiding Prelate of
th
by Bethel youth, Madison & Makensie Boston, the Eleventh Episcopal District who, at the
Jackson English, and Destiny-Raye Herring. Addi- time of his demise earlier this year, was the
tional programs included: Family Trivia & Game Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal Dis-
Night, a fun-filled evening of friendly competition trict, were displayed.
and teamwork challenging our knowledge of Afri- The month-long program culminated with the
can American history and culture; and Movie Night Taste of the African Diaspora, a sampling and
@ Bethel, a showing of the movie “Up from the Bot- tasting of African, Caribbean, American South-
toms: The Search for the American Dream” which ern and dessert dishes prepared by 15 Bethel
tells the story of the massive migrations of African chefs with over 200 persons being served. The
Americans before and after World War II leaving children of Bethel modeled and showcased na-
behind the legacy of slavery, lynching and segrega- tive African attire and black solidarity clothing
tion. during the Children’s Fashion Show.

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