Community service celebrates Emancipation Proclamation

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Youngstown & Vicinity and the Baptist Pastors’ Council will commemorate the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with a community service and celebration at 10 a.m. Thursday, New Year’s Day, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St.

The Rev. Kenneth L. Simon is the host pastor; keynote speaker will be the Rev. Michael Harrison, pastor of Union Baptist Church and president of the Ohio Baptist State Convention.

The theme is from 2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” It addresses the unrest in the United States.

The Rev. Elizabeth Powell Heritage Award will be presented.

The Emancipation Choir and the Christian Usher Association will participate.

The service will conclude with the Rev. Dr. James Baber, vice president at Eastern Gateway Community College and president of the MLK Association of Steubenville, who will direct the installation and commissioning service for officers of area faith and community organizations.

These include, but are not limited to, Youngstown City Council, Youngstown Board of Education, Community Mobilization Coalition, Junior Civic League, Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youngstown Branch, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Youngstown Warren Black Caucus, The 100 Black Men Youngstown-Warren Chapter, A. Phillip Randolph Institute, Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods, the Links, Associated Neighborhood Centers, Roberts Deliberating Club and Youngstown Section of the National Council of Negro Women Inc.