Oakwood celebrates Black History

Pastor Larry Allen receives a painting of his church, the Miracle Church, from the artist, Devon Missildine, during the Black History Month Celebration. Photo by Melissa Missildine The Miracle Church opened up its doors and welcomed the community to come inside and celebrate its black history roots. The Spirit of God Ministries, Inc., founded by Pastor Larry Allen, and the C.H.A.N.G.E. Youth Outreach Center sponsored the event.

Rev. Ray C. Emanuel gave a "history from the pulpit" lesson on how the black schools came from the black churches. He emphasized how it was necessary for the churches to continue to be involved in the education of the children.

Mistress of Ceremonies was Gayle Turner. She gave a talk on on Wilma Rudolph who was born premature and her parents were told she would never live beyond the age of five. Rudolph did live past five, only to contract polio and had to wear leg braces. Her parents were then told that she would never walk again. When Rudolph was 13, she declared that she was going to be an athlete when she grew up. The child that was not suppose to live and then was never to walk again, was declared the world's fastest woman in 1960. She broke 4 world records and won 3 Olympic Gold Medals. Turner also spoke about Bessie Coleman who wanted to become a pilot. Back in the 1960's, it was rare to allow women to go to flight school at all. For black women, that was considered impossible. When Coleman applied to the women's flight school in New York, she was turned away. She learned of a school in France and traveled there. She became the first black woman pilot in history on June 5, 1963.

The Miracle Church, a part of Oakwood’s black history. Photo by Melissa Missildine Guests were encouraged to join in a sing-a-long of old spirituals. There was a black art exhibit on display as well. A flag ceremony was performed by Oakwood Cub Scout Pack 610 and then 2nd year Webelos Scout Devon Missildine presented Pastor Allen with a painting he did of The Miracle Church. This was added to the exhibit as a piece of Oakwood's own black history.

Mother Geraldine Allen gave a presentation to the "over 75 crowd" in the community. Those honored are considered pioneers who paved the way for blacks in the surrounding communities. Certificates were awarded to those in attendance. Certificates were to be hand delivered to those who could not make it to the celebration.

The celebration was carried over the the youth center's library where refreshments were served.

Next year's Black History Month Celebration is scheduled to be housed at the Dunbar community center in Oakwood. This three day event will end at a gathering to be held at Rev. Emanuel's church, Pilgrim Rest Community Church in Timesville.