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This year marks the 40th anniversary of Black History Month, which commemorates and honors the struggles, as well as the achievements, of people of color.

The Albany Diocese's Black Catholic Apostolate, based at St. Joan of Arc parish in Menands, has been hosting a series of weekly presentations by parishioners and community members, centered around Black History Month. Held immediately after the 10:15 a.m. Sunday Masses, the series is sponsored by the apostolate's men's fellowship.

At a time when violence against African-Americans has been splashed across the news, "We don't want that to be a big focus," said Benjamin Elad, president of the men's group.

This is the first time the apostolate has hosted a speaker series rather than a single event. Through the Black History Month series, said Mr. Elad, "we want to get all the different groups represented," including the children of the parish.

"We have a voice," he said.

The first speaker for the series was Carolyn McLaughlin, president of the Albany Common Council and a close friend of many St. Joan of Arc parishioners. She spoke about not being afraid to tell one's personal story in order to educate people about black history in America.

Last Sunday, the weekly presentation was done by children from the apostolate, who also participate in a Bible study. Before the event, Mr. Elad said that the young Catholics would be sharing facts about black history and doing traditional dances that represent black heritage.

This Sunday will feature a presentation by the apostolate's teens and young adults. "They will be tying [together] the past and the present in order to prepare for tomorrow," Mr. Elad said.

Relating to black history helps them appreciate the progress made while also recognizing the struggles ahead, said Mr. Elad.

The last guest speaker for the series, the Rev. Ansia Picou, will address the apostolate on Feb. 28.

"Showcasing the history is our big focus," Mr. Elad told The Evangelist. "We talk about recent inequities" between races, but "we are trying to focus more on the similarities and show that there is progress made."

Although black history has had many painful chapters, said Mr. Elad, "we've come a long way. This should enable us to have a better tomorrow."

In fact, he said, Black History Month could easily become a longer celebration: "Our preference would be to have a Black History Year and celebrate all the time."

(Each talk in the Black History Month series will be followed by refreshments and fellowship. Contact the Black Catholic Apostolate about the series at 518-463-0394.) [[In-content Ad]]

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