Emancipation Proclamation service highlights hopes for blacks in 2009 and beyond

YOUNGSTOWN — Barack Obama’s historic rise to becoming the nation’s 44th president is a symbol of hope and positive change for many black people, but the biggest source of power to bring about desired change comes from within.

That was a key message put forth during today’s annual Emancipation Proclamation and Installation Service at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 1210 Himrod Ave., on the city’s East Side.

The worship service, “The Realization of a Dream,” was hosted by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and co-sponsored by the Baptist Pastors’ Council. The two-hour program honored and celebrated the anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, which ended slavery in the Confederate states in rebellion against the Union, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.

The service also featured the installation and commissioning service of officers for 2009 of a variety of community organizations.

The IMA’s goals include promoting ecumenical fellowship, directing resources toward various social causes, establishing partnerships with faith-based and community organizations, and cultivating and advancing faith principles and values, organizers say.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com