By By MICHAEL C. GUILMETTE JR. / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN - Six-month-old Mar-Tajah Griffin was treated to her first Black History Month event Sunday at the New Good Hope Baptist Church.
The South Bend, Ind., infant was brought to the annual observance of Black History Month by her mother, Marquita, and her cousin, Terence Hunter, and the church's congregation delivered an energetic, uplifting performance filled with praise and devotion.
Lead by Pastor James Robinson, the program featured speakers expressing various aspects of black history and how it applies to today's African-American community.
Following the singing of the black anthem “Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing,” Sister Betty Francis delivered two emotionally powerful poems, saying through tears her happiness only comes from herself and from God, inciting a strong, supportive response from the congregation.
Her recitation was followed by the choir leading the church in singing the hymn “That Old-Time Religion.”
The speakers at the event included Kay and Haley Cashier pointing out the historical coincidences between presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, while Earlene and Eugene Wingo discussed the history of black churches in America.
Eugene Wingo spoke specifically on “Juneteenth,” or June 19th, the day the last slaves in the United States were freed in Galveston, Tex., on June 19, 1865. He pointed out the day is celebrated in 200 cities across the country, but noted Texas and Oklahoma are the only states that recognize the day as a holiday.
Georgia Boggs, Niles city council member representing the First Ward, provided representation from the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Boggs told the church of the progress of naming the Niles Main Street Bridge in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She asked the congregation to attend tonight's Niles city council meeting in support of the change.
She also answered the suggestion the bridge be named for a person from Niles.
Boggs said the bridge should stand as a symbol to inspire everyone who crosses it.