43
New Year’s Day service provides rallying point
The Emancipation Proclamation Service will reflect on accomplishments and challenges.
YOUNGSTOWN — It will be a celebration and an assessment of accomplishments.
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and Baptist Pastors’ Council will co-sponsor the Emancipation Proclamation Service planned at 10 a.m. Thursday, New Year’s Day, at Elizabeth Baptist Church, 1210 Himrod Ave. The event recognizes the signing by President Abraham Lincoln of the document that abolished slavery in the United States. Lincoln signed the document in September of 1862 and it went into effect Jan. 1, 1863. “It was and is a hallmark in the history of human rights,” said the Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II, president of the alliance.
“It’s a rallying point to start off the New Year,” the Rev. Mr. Macklin said. “We look at the historical perspective and reflect on how far we’ve come by faith. We hope to inspire the younger generation.
Mr. Macklin said, “Freedom should promote the community, not create further bondage.”
This year’s observance also marks a departure from having a minister speak. The keynote speaker is Mayor Jay Williams. The theme is “The Realization of a Dream.” His address will examine and reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing black leaders in the community.
“He’s the first non-clergy to be asked to speak,” Mr. Macklin said. But, the minister said, Williams is a “man of faith” and has the distinction of being the first black mayor of the city. “That in itself shows the progress that people of color have made,” Mr. Macklin said.
But Macklin said, while Williams was elected mayor and Barack Obama elected president of the United States, neither got to those positions solely on black votes. “It took more than the black vote,” he said, noting that is a tribute and testament to the diversity of America.
Mr. Macklin also noted that diversity also describes the IMA, which now is represented in its membership with different faiths and genders. In fact, the organization had its first woman president in the Rev. Eleanor Felder of Holy Bible Church of God.
“Diversity helps shape our ideologies and advance the kingdom of heaven and its principles,” Mr. Macklin said. “Being open to all ethnicities and experiences advances not only the African-American community but helps the community at large.
“If our organization represents the entire community, we’re following God’s example that all are welcome,” Mr. Macklin said. “God’s love is greater than our own capacity.
“It’s incumbent on us to reach out to the least, last and lost,” Mr. Macklin said. “The IMA is not just a meet and greet organization.”
Mr. Macklin pointed out three area of importance to the organization:
•Health and wellness. He noted blacks often suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure along with other illnesses. “We want people to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to their health,” he said. “Empowering the pulpit” to suggest resources for help is important.
•Education. “It’s up to the community to develop the intellectual gifts we have,” he said. It’s important that young people understand the value of education and are made aware of opportunities such as scholarships. “We want to serve as a clearinghouse,” he said.
•Community empowerment. Mr. Macklin noted that the IMA is working on a faith-based credit union. “It’s up to us to utilize resources in our community,” he said. “We want to teach people about sound fiscal management.” Mr. Macklin pointed out the sound financial decisions ultimately benefit the neighborhoods in which people live.
The Emancipation Proclamation Services will reflect on where those who had been enslaved were and where they are now. “It will be a show of black leadership ... people will be able to see who the individuals are,” Mr. Macklin said.
The service will include the installation and commissioning of officers in faith and community organizations such as Junior Civic League, Youngstown State University Black faculty and staff, Associated Neighborhood Centers, Youngstown Warren Black Caucus, Interdenominational Clergywomen Alliance, Youngstown Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, A. Phillip Randolph Institute and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
“Our hope is that the community will rally behind the leadership,” he said. “We can make a difference.”
Mr. Macklin said the first Rev. Elizabeth Powell Heritage Award will be presented to Edna D. and H. Howard Pincham Sr. for “extolling the values of community development and social justice.” They formed the Pincham Initiative Center, which nurtures children.
Mr. Macklin said the award was named for the late pastor who died at 105 years old and had led World Fellowship. She was the first woman to be licensed and ordained in the Mahoning Valley, he said, and also noted she was named to the Ohio Women Hall of Fame. “She was known for her work in social injustice,” Mr. Macklin said.