Celebrating Black History Month at the Cathedral
Black History Month, an annual observance in February in the United States (and at other times for other countries), honors the significant contributions and rich heritage of people of African descent. We embrace this opportunity to celebrate and reflect on our diverse and global community. By engaging in reflection, education, and celebration of the African diaspora, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone’s story is valued. As we recognize the beauty of unity in diversity, we take another step toward becoming the Beloved Community that God calls us to be. Black History Month is not just a remembrance of the past; it is a call to celebrate and live out the promise of today.
Please join us for this month’s programs, services, and activities that celebrate the contributions and lived experiences of these diverse voices. All are welcome! More details below.
For more details about Becoming Beloved Community, please contact the ministry leaders on beloved.community@americancathedral.org or visit the Racial Justice Beloved Community page on the Convocation’s website.
Upcoming programs and services
Saturday, February 1st @ 5:30 p.m. | MEFR welcomes the ARISE Ensemble as the guest choir for the Celebration Eucharistique
We will welcome the ARISE (African-Americans Renewing Interest in Spirituals) Ensemble from Wichita, Kansas, as the guest choir for the Célébration Eucharistique.
Renowned for their soul-stirring renditions of spirituals, the ensemble visited the Cathedral last May as part of a pilgrimage with nine middle school students from the Gordon Parks Academy in Wichita. The students retraced the footsteps of their school’s namesake, the legendary photographer Gordon Parks, during his tenure with *LIFE* magazine’s Paris bureau in the early 1950s.
Saturday, February 1st @ 7:00 p.m. | Film screening of “I Needed Paris” at Restaurant 47 (46 rue François 1er, 75008)
All are invited to attend a screening of the documentary *I Needed Paris* at Restaurant 47 (46 rue François 1er, 75008).
Featuring scenes filmed at the Cathedral, the documentary chronicles the journey of students from the Gordon Parks Academy in Wichita as they reimagine Gordon Parks’ iconic fashion, portrait, and street photography. It also highlights their encounters with African Americans living in Paris, who share their stories and offer hope and inspiration for the students’ future aspirations.
Mark your calendars for this unique opportunity to celebrate the music, history, and enduring legacy of African Americans in the City of Light!
Sunday, February 2nd @ 10:00 a.m. | Cathedral Forum | The Legacy of African-American Spirituals
Join Senior Warden Kim Powell for a continuation of her series exploring the rich and transformative legacy of African-American spirituals. This session builds on the journey we began a year ago, offering fresh insights and new opportunities for reflection and connection. Together, we will delve into the rich texts of the spirituals, alongside scripture readings, uncovering the deep messages of resilience, courage, faith, and freedom that these songs carry. We will also raise our voices in song, experiencing the beauty and power of these spirituals firsthand. Start your day uplifted and inspired—come, learn, sing, and be empowered to walk boldly in the Way of Love.
This is a hybrid forum; please join us in the Parish Hall or on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83277332745?pwd=fMnzdMJgxQQTbBxub4Z5ka5wYuWkju.1
Meeting ID: 832 7733 2745
Passcode: 014180
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/keu5OodIS7
Sunday, February 2nd @ 12:30 p.m. | Becoming Beloved Community Fellowship
Becoming Beloved Community warmly invites the Cathedral community to a colorful celebration of cuisine from across the African-Caribbean diaspora, all prepared by members of the Cathedral community. Sample the diverse flavors of Liberia, Cameroon, Nigeria, Togo, Haiti, Jamaica, Ghana, Senegal, the Congo, the Caribbean—and of course, classic Soul Food from the USA! Join us in the Parish Hall after the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025. We can’t wait to share this feast of culture and community with you!
Réservez la date ! Becoming Beloved Community invite chaleureusement la communauté de la cathédrale à une célébration colorée de la cuisine de la diaspora africaine et caribéenne, préparée par les membres de la communauté de la cathédrale. Goûtez aux diverses saveurs du Nigeria, du Togo, d’Haïti, de la Jamaïque, du Ghana, du Sénégal, du Congo, des Caraïbes et, bien sûr, de la Soul Food classique des États-Unis ! Rejoignez-nous dans la salle paroissiale après l’office de 11h00 le dimanche 2 février 2025. Nous sommes impatients de partager avec vous ce festin de culture et de communauté !
Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m. | APL | RJBC Presents: All Sinners Are Welcome
The Convocation’s Racial Justice Beloved Community, in partnership with EICS, presents a second session of their APL series "All Sinners Are Welcome. “ Led by the Rev. Canon Mpho Tutu Van Furth via Zoom, the season will encourage and teach us how to explore radical hospitality, self-reflection, and the pursuit of Beloved Community within the church. For more information, please click here.
Did you catch our Jazz Vespers service honoring Martin Luther King Jr.?
This bilingual beautiful service was filled with poetry, scripture and music by composers including Gerald Clayton, Fabian Almazan, and Brian Blade. Watch below!