HARTFORD, Conn. — Approximately 75 people gathered at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church on Feb. 20 to celebrate Black History Month.
The intergenerational celebration was held after 4 p.m. Mass and was planned by the church’s Women of Hope Ministry. This group coordinates topics of interest to women, in collaboration with the Martha and Mary Guild from nearby St. Justin Church.
Guest speaker for the event was Jo Winch, Hartford city councilwoman. The Caribbean Dance Troup performed, and poetry, music and presentations were made by parishioners of St. Justin.
Thomas Gallagher, OFM, pastor, gave the benediction and closing remarks.
In Greenville, S.C., St. Anthony of Padua Church celebrated on Feb. 28 by hosting four major Gospel choirs from the area, according to pastor Patrick Tuttle, OFM. Teens presented original poems and two prominent area businessmen and an African-American court judge spoke about their inspiration for success.
A party followed, with ethnic food, dancing and story-telling.
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.