An exuberant Pastor Arthur A. Ruffin, Sr. welcomed a Standing Room Only gathering of over 300 to Medina Second Baptist Church (SBC) for a Black History Month Program "Celebrating Unity in Our Community," co-presented by SBC and the American Association of University Women.
Students from Sharon Elementary and Claggett Middle Schools opened the musical program with the rhythmic sounds of African tribal drums. Following a stately procession into the sanctuary of those wearing colorful African attire, angelic voices from the children's choir inspired the congregation with their rendition of Leonard Cohen's hauntingly beautiful "Hallelujah."
Community speakers featured local notables: Louise McMorris, Delmar Jones, and Curtis Perkins. Two students (one in absentia), selected from Sharon and Claggett read their personal best essays on the meaning of how American history was inspired and formed by Blacks in the spirit of freedom, unity, and equality for all.
The Community Choir performed rousing inspirational song selections that brought the congregation to its feet and soloist Sherrill Rundle's beautiful voice touched every heart in the church.
Mayor Dennis Hanwell provided a thoughtful speech of thanks and appreciation for our community and introduced the new Medina City Police Chief Edward Kinney, who expressed his philosophy of Community Policing -- working in a collaborative method with residents and visitors to keep Medina a safe and friendly community to live and visit.
The 2018 Medina Black History Month Program Community Celebration closed with a blessing from Pastor John Peterson and an invitation to a fellowship reception in the SBC community room.
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