Each February since 1976, Americans celebrate Black History Month, which was officially recognized during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial, with President Gerald Ford urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

To start the month here in Worthington, consider taking some time to reflect on Worthington’s African American history with a recording of the Worthington Chamber Orchestra’s recent Community Connect event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgqDfilnFM4. Society Director Kate LaLonde was honored to be invited to speak at this event.

The program also includes a panel discussion with artists and community leaders, including Worthington Historical Society Board Member Karen Coleman, who shared her own personal family experiences in Worthington, and a fabulous performance of Dr. Mark Lomax II’s work by UCelli, the Columbus Cello Quartet, who will perform at the orchestra’s upcoming February 4th event. The orchestra writes of the concert, “American Stories of Hope highlights themes in the African American experience and the power of hope in overcoming oppression and challenges. Underrepresented in the classical music canon, Black composers often articulate themes of struggle, hope, triumph over racism, and the fight for civil rights. Worthington’s historical connection to the African American experience and openness to Blacks in the 1800s is a source of inspiration for this program.”

To read additional biographies of African Americans for Worthington, please visit worthingtonhistory.org/BlackHistoryMonth.