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BLACK HISTORY
MONTH
ISSUE 1
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CIVIL RIGHTS IN AMERICA. In observance of Black History Month, the national theme offered by the Association for the Study of African Life and History is "Civil Rights in America". Read the inspirational message about this theme that also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act Legislation.
To commemorate and celebrate this month, we make a conscious effort to remember, and to honor those heros, sheros and everyday people who worked and gave tirelessly to build a better future. The future is now and our time is now to make a difference in our world, trusting that God will provide the strength, focus and courage to continue and to ultimately accomplish that work for justice and peace. However this justice work displays itself in you, be true to your values, be true to your core, and be true to the God of your understanding who calls us to community and unity. Join us this month for special events and opportunities to celebrate, learn, and share.  Peace, Rev Cathy Alexander
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PEOPLE AND MUSIC OF BLACK HISTORY
Abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland. He became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes, including women's rights and Irish home rule. Among Douglass' writings are several autobiographies eloquently describing his experiences in slavery and his life after the Civil War.
MUSIC OF BLACK HISTORY
 Black spirituals are religious folk songs that originated during slavery in the United States. There still exists debate around the origins and authorships of some of these songs. However, many of these spirituals are widely known and used today such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Steal Away to Jesus." The origin and use of these two songs, in particular, continue to be debated. Recent evidence suggests these two spirituals were written by Wallace ("Uncle Wallace") Willis, a black slave in Oklahoma. Originally from Mississippi, Uncle Wallace was taken by Brit Willis, his owner and a Native American of the Choctaw when Brit Willis along with other Native Americans were forced by the government to move West during the Trail of Tears. It is also believed that a number of spirituals, including these two were used by slaves to convey coded messages -publicly revealed later by black abolitionist Frederick Douglass in his writings. Some historians report that "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" was used by Harriet Tubman to convey warnings to runaway slaves. "Steal Away to Jesus" has been used by some historians as an example of a song that provided a signal to slaves planning to escape.
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EXPLORING THE LIFE, WRITINGS, AND RELATIONSHIPS
OF HOWARD THURMAN
PASTOR'S GROUP, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 7PM
 In honor of Black History Month Rev Dwayne and Rev Cathy will explore the
life, writings and relationships of Howard Thurman. Howard Thurman, who was born on November 18, 1899 and died on April 10, 1981, was an influential African American author, philosopher, theologian, dynamic preacher, educator and civil rights leader. He was Dean of Chapel at Howard University and Boston University for more than two decades, and in 1944 helped found a multicultural church.
Thurman was a prolific author, writing 20 books of ethical and cultural criticism. The most famous of his works, Jesus and the Disinherited (1949), deeply influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders, both black and white, of the modern Civil Rights Movement. He served as spiritual advisor and mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Please join us on Thursday, February 13 at 7PM in the Welcome Hall. Contact Rev Cathy for additional information at [email protected] or 202-638-7373.
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TWO GREAT MCCDC EVENTS
DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FREDERICK DOUGLASS HOME TOUR, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2PM
FORD'S THEATRE MUSICAL VIOLET, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2PM
Join your friends at MCCDC February 15 and 16 for two great events. On Saturday, February 15 at 2pm, we will take a tour of the Frederick Douglass Home and on Sunday, February 16 at 2pm, we will take a journey South for the musical "Violet" at the Ford's Theatre. The cost for the two events is $20. (These are separate events, so you don't have to attend as a package. If you want to attend the Frederick Douglass Home Tour only, there is no cost. If you want to attend Violet, there is a $20 cost.)You can reserve a spot by going online to www.mccdc.com/donate or email Rev. Cathy at [email protected]. Seats are limited and we must know by Tuesday, February 11.
Frederick Douglass Home Saturday, February 15, 2PM "I will unite with any one to do right, and with no one to do wrong!" Walk the halls of Cedar Hill, home of the famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to spend his life fighting for justice and equality for all people. His tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity continue to inspire and sustain people today. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS HOME  Violet Ford's Theatre February 16, 2PM A touching story of love, hope and healing. In the early 1960s, a young woman travels across the South in search of a miracle. On her journey, she meets two young soldiers who help her learn about courage, beauty and her own self-worth. Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change, Fun Home and Thoroughly Modern Millie) returns with a dynamic score of bluegrass, gospel, country and rock. Directed by Tony-nominated Jeff Calhoun (Broadway's Newsies).
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 BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION WORSHIP ARTS MINISTRY, SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 3PM Each Sunday in February the Worship Arts Ministries will be celebrating Black History Month through special music and spoken word. Black History Month with culminate on Sunday March 2, 3pm with our Celebration of Black History Month Concert. We will be joined by special guests B.E.L.I.E.V.E - an ASL (American Sign Language) performance group.
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METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
OF WASHINGTON, DC
474 RIDGE STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
202-638-7373
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STAY CONNECTED  
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