Honor Black History Month with Saturday Celebration

MT. PLEASANT — Second Baptist Ministries, Inc. in Mt. Pleasant will host the 26th Annual African American History Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 11 in observance of Black History Month.

Following lunch, served at noon, the 1 p.m. program will consist of speakers and performers such as Charism, Dempsey Dixon, and Second Baptist congregation members.

Pastor Tony Campbell will deliver the keynote speech for the event.

According to the church program coordinator Betty Mullen, the church provides this annual celebration “to help make the community aware of Black history,” and provide an educational experience for students in the area.

This event holds an exceptional special place in Mullen’s heart. She and her husband played a vital role in the creation of the event many years ago.

"We set aside this day to celebrate our accomplishments," Mullen said at the 2018 African American History Celebration. "What our elders have contributed we celebrate this day with song, poetry, and sometimes just being silly."

Much like she did in 2018, Mullen encourages attendees to "learn to engage, learn to dialogue, learn something about someone else."

While the original celebration originally took place at the Historic African American Building, Second Baptist Ministry, Inc. now hosts it at 801 E. Winfield Ave.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com