March 16, 2017
Last night was the annual Black History Program put on by the combined Chapters, Lodges, and Houses of the Prince Hall Masonic Family. This event was open to the public and many enjoyed a well delivered program.
JoAnn Henderson of Ella Mills #59, was the program coordinator and Mistress of Ceremony. She should be very proud because she did an outstanding job as she does every year with this event.
The program was opened with a prayer and the pledge lead by Brother Malcolm Williamson, Commanding Chief of Exemplar Consistory #299. Everyone joined in for the Negro National Anthem.
Sister Ailean Harris-Russ of Ella Mills #59 delivered the welcome message and we immediately felt welcome and inclusive.
Mother Womack shared the poem, “Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black?” She did a fantastic job with her delivery.
The Praise Dancers from Faith Covenant Community Church, did an exemplary job of mime dancing in white face and what appeared to me to be Asian costumes. It was a very moving event to watch them perform their dance movements.
Brother Sydney Moore, Worshipful Master of Harmony Lodge #61, delivered a speech given by Fredrick Douglas to an all-white audience. The speech spoke of Fredrick Douglas’s love and respect of this country and for the men who formed it. It also spoke of the injustice to some of its citizens. It moved me. I can only imagine the effect it had on the men listening in that period.
Brother Pharoh Amun, Illustrious Potentate Alcazar Temple #179, shared the contributions made by the Moors to the world.
La Wanna Parker, Adah Chapter #1, shared a poem she wrote and the story of Octavius V. Catto, who was a black activist long before the Civil War. Octavius was instrumental in getting the vote for African Americans and getting the Republicans elected after the war. He also lost his life on election day by a man who was never convicted for his murder despite having both black and white eye witnesses. There is talk of erecting a statue of him in Philadelphia where he lived and went to school. He believed we needed to be educated. He himself went to several colleges.
However, the part of the program that had everyone clapping, was another young man from Faith Covenant Community Church and a young woman, Shayla Bell, from Stockton, California. The young was very motivated and highly entertaining in his performance.
Shayla Bell has never had a music lesson and she can’t read music. She plays by hearing. She has been on television and played with several well-known celebrities. Far more than I have room to list here. She brought the house down with two numbers she played with her trumpet. She is a very gifted young woman and I predict we will all be hearing more from her.
Da Band, led by Brother Jerry Said, Ella Mills #59, was great. The singer, whose name I do not have, has a beautiful voice and we were all tapping our feet.
The close of the event was a fashion show of African attire and many from the audience modeled their African clothes. Thank you, Jo Ann for coordinating this event and keeping it moving despite a couple of changes because of unforeseen circumstances.
I said the fashion show was the conclusion, but it was the food. They served food to everyone in attendance and even had food left over. It reminded me of Jesus serving the multitude with a few fishes and loaves of bread. The food was great.
I know this was a little long, but I am not a professional writer and I wanted to make sure everyone received acknowledgement of their contributions. Some names were not mentioned because I don’t have them and I apologize for that. However, everyone involved did their part in making sure it was worth returning next year.
Until next time, take care. lw