Leslie Choate discusses information secretly conveyed to fugitive slaves during the pre-Civil War era, including messages hidden in songs, quilts and flower pots. Choate's address was part of the annual Black History Celebration hosted by the Alleghany County Library Feb. 13.

Local residents gather for Black History event

"I feel better; I feel like we're in church," said the Rev. Grace Wilkins during the ninth annual Black History Celebration, held Feb. 13 at the Alleghany County Library.

Indeed, the program at times took on a churchlike quality. Wilkins, who served as emcee, called for a unity of spirit which transcends color and race, as she added, "If you're a child of God and you've been born again....we are all brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus."

About 75 people packed the library's meeting room for the celebration, which also featured poetry, historical information and even a ballet performance, along with lively singing at the conclusion.

After Wilkins offered the opening prayer, Ed Adams gave a profile of Julia Foote, a minister and activist who lived from 1823 to 1900. Adams said Foote was the first woman ordained to preach by the AME (African Methodist Episcopal) church. She traveled and preached throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic states, as well as in Detroit, San Francisco and in Canada. Foote spoke out against racism and sexism.

Tribute in Dance

Next was a dance performance with about 30 girls, most ranging from age five to 12, from the Small Beginnings Dance Ministry of New Direction Youth Ministries. In introducing the group and its rendition, Pastor Pam Caudill quoted Acts 10:34, in which Peter stated that God is no respecter of persons.

Caudill said the dance ministry began four or five years ago with five girls and has grown to about 90 participants.

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