Concert commemorates Black History Month

“Everyone was uplifted — everyone was overjoyed,” said Centre Street resident Walter Searcy. “It was a full house, and people were engaged in the music.”

Searcy was referring to the Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church Music Department’s presentation of its annual Black History Month concert on Sunday at the Long Beach Public Library under the direction of Minister of Music Jamel Lewis.

Pastor Isaac Melton presented the choirs consisting of the Male Chorus, the Youth Choir, the Sanctuary Choir and J.J. Evans Mass Choir.

Roughly 120 people were in attendance for what made for a successful, spiritual and uplifting event. Throughout the concert, members of the crowd sang along, clapped and engaged with the various choirs.

This February, many residents across Long Beach continue to celebrate Black History Month, commemorating influential figures in African American culture — from the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Rosa Parks — while remembering the civil rights movement.

Searcy, who is a member of the Male Chorus and J.J. Evans Mass Choir and who is also affiliated with the Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church, said that the event made for a special day that honored Black History Month and important African American figures, such as the late Dr. King.

“We did the concert in honor of Dr. King and honor him and Black History Month,” he said. “Everybody told us how great it was afterward. People turned out, and this brought people together.”

George Trepp, director of the Long Beach Public Library, said that participants were enthusiastic and engaged, and explained that it is a privilege to host the event at the library each year.

“The audience reception was terrific, they loved the performance,” he said. “We have the group every year, so we expect a good quality performance from them and they always deliver. A good time was had by all.”

Searcy said that a personal highlight for him was the diverse audience, which included children and teenagers as well as adults and the elderly. The event, he said, united many, and was an inspirational concert that was shared both by performers and residents.

As the event continues to grow, Searcy stressed the importance of the Christian Light Church, and others religious organizations, continuing to function across Long Beach.

“It’s vital — what we have to do is reach out to the community, and spread the good news,” he said. “We have to stand united.”

Searcy added: “Everybody from all walks of life was there,” he said of the event. “More people realize it’s about equality, not race, color or creed. People need to come together, one nation under God.”