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PTS Celebrates Black History Month

Princeton Seminary celebrated Black History Month with song, worship, art, and food. A month-long series of events organized by the Association of Black Seminarians honored the contributions of African American preachers, musicians, and citizens.

February kicked off with a concert by the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers, an internationally acclaimed choral group that performed music from the African American tradition, including spirituals, gospel music, calypso, and Caribbean and African songs. Albert McNeil also led a workshop called “The Spiritual in the 21st Century” that explored the evolution of this unique musical form and its role in the lives of American blacks.

Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, pastor emeritus of Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, and recognized dean of black preaching in America, preached at a worship service honoring black religious leaders who paved the way for contemporary American Christians.

PTS alumna Melinda Contreras-Byrd (Class of 1999) exhibited a project called “100 Positive Men of Color” highlighting 100 Latino and African American men who are positive role models in the culture. The exhibit included biographical sketches and photographs of clergymen, social scientists, artists, entertainers, politicians, scholars, farm workers, and entrepreneurs from across the country, some of whom came to Princeton on February 9 for a ceremony in Miller Chapel called “The All People’s Celebration and Awards Ceremony.”

The gospel choirs of Princeton Seminary and Princeton University gave a joint concert on February 15, and the Seminary dining service prepared a southern-style soul food dinner on February 20.

The month ended with a “platform” worship service called “Go Preach!” in which seven students preached, faculty members were honored, and the Seminary community, including children, joined in dancing, singing, and prayer.