A wonderfully visceral history was laid out before visitors on Friday night at the Black History Exhibit in Scott United Methodist Church.
The exhibit came to fruition with the combined efforts of Crystal Marshall and Donna B. Jacobson, with Marshall hosting.
To commence the festivities, Marshall opened with a short speech, inviting people to mingle, and make themselves at home, and enjoy the refreshments provided. She prefaced the poetry to come, and announced the theme of the evening.
“Our theme is Hebrews 10:23-25, basically, don’t forsake gathering together. Those of us that are of the faith should be faithful enough to come together, and to witness, and to testify, and what better time than Black History Month. This is what this is about, a kick off so we can honor our ancestors and just have a good time. If you have a story that you want to relate, please, do that. We’ll also have door prizes, but just have some fun. Make yourself at home, eat, and discuss,” she said.
It was an event to celebrate togetherness and pride in African American history, both for the community, and for the children.
“What this was to do, was to set up actually for the kids, because all of this stuff their going to get to enjoy tomorrow when they come. It’s at the center of their experience, because the theme is “Profess the Promise,” Hebrews 10:23-25, and professing that promise as kids and affirming each other and encouraging each other, because that’s what that scripture is about, and doing good deeds. Also, not being ashamed to come together in church as the body of Christ, that’s what this was about,” said Marshall.
Marshall said that if the adults can’t come together, how can they teach the kids to do it?
Another man — local celebrity and Hall of Famer and veteran Jerry King — expressed how similarly he felt. He wanted people to take away new knowledge, and appreciate the history provided.
“To know some of the history, past history, because most of the children, or young people period, don’t have a clue how we got to this day. It’s a shame that we don’t get more of these teachings, but that’s just the way it is. It’s unfortunate, but I give Crystal all the credit in the world for all the work she’s done to bring this to the light,” said King.
King had hoped there would be more children present. It is a passion of his to talk to and encourage youth.
“I like to speak to children, I like to show them how they can survive the answer ‘no, you’re not good enough,’ and give them some assurances that they can do whatever they want to do, they just have to want to do it, be willing to work, respect people, respect themselves and pray to God. There’s no way another human being can tell you what you can’t do. That’s between you, your work ethic, and our Lord and Savior. I’ve believed that all my life,” said King.
King is retired military, and a Vietnam veteran. Later he would share a heartfelt and moving tale about the racial injustice he faced while he was in the Marine Corps. Despite being shown disfavor simply for the color of his skin, King carried the body of a deceased, racist man a mile, just so his body could be returned home to his family.
This was not the only racism King would face in his life – yet but another whisper in time to the years of discrimination African Americans have endured.
This racial injustice was palpable as one traversed through the historical displays. While triumph stood strong on the proud brows of men such as Martin Luther King Jr., and President Obama, and the plethora of African American idols that dressed the walls, on a table draped in satin black cloth, death loomed as a bitter reminder of even harder times.
Lynching, hanging, murders, killings, enslavement, discrimination – hard, yet important history to face.
And yet, despite the dark reminders of history perpetuated in those pieces of print, Marshall wanted people to take a sense of togetherness and unity away from the experience.
“Because that unity and community is what brought our forefathers through. That sense of community, that depending on each other, that knowing each other, that caring for each other, that’s what brought us together. You know, hard times are hard by yourself. Our experience is different, the African American experience is different, every community experience is different, but we already know it’s been particularly egregious and violent; difficult. So it’s wonderful when we can come together and embrace that hurt, but celebrate the things that we’ve done in spite of that,” she said.
And it was a celebration, as the guests talked, and laughed; powerful poetry was nearly sung by Brenda Walker, Larry Burns and even Marshall, herself.
“I don’t want any of the older people to leave without me saying this. This, is memories. You have memories. We need to do oral histories. We’ve got to get you all to sit down and record your oral histories, it’s too important,” said Marshall.
It all wrapped up with a prayer, and people dispersed, shaking hands, and exchanging hugs as they left.
