Enjoy two community Black History celebrations Saturday

Pennylynn Webb, Palestine Herald-Press, Texas
·2 min read
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Feb. 23—Palestine has two ways to celebrate Black History Month this Saturday, Feb. 24.

At noon, A Black History Bazaar: Celebrating Community and Creativity is being held at A.M. Story Intermediate School, 5300 TX-256 Loop in Palestine.

"We are excited to join with community members to allow students the opportunity to see entrepreneurial endeavors first hand," said Larissa Loveless, Director of Public Relations for Palestine Independent School District. "The wide variety of businesses participating allows students and families to meet and connect with a community who strongly supports student learning beyond the 3 R's (reading, writing and arithmetic)."

During this event, participants will enjoy live music, international performing artists, visual arts and crafts, performances by area church groups and choirs. Students can also meet with college and career representatives.

At 2 p.m. the historic Mt. Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church, 913 Calhoun St. in Palestine, is hosting a program with the theme "Project Restoration: Honoring Our Pioneers."

Mt. Vernon is the third oldest AME church in Texas. Those that attend will learn about the church's history and the restoration efforts underway. The program will celebrate the tenacity of four members — Nancy M. "The Yellow Rose" Taylor, Ruth C. Evans, Bernadine Taylor and Mary L. Birdow — who were instrumental in bringing recognition to the church as an important historic and cultural landmark.

Following the program, enjoy a tour of the church and light refreshments.

Built in 1921, Mt. Vernon AME Church is a City of Palestine Landmark, a Registered Texas Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mt. Vernon was closed in 2014 due to major structural issues. It was listed by Preservation Texas in 2015 as one of Texas' Most Endangered Places, and Mt. Vernon AME Project Restoration immediately began fundraising and stabilization efforts. In 2022, Mt. Vernon AME Church was selected as one of eleven sites to receive a preservation grant through Preservation Texas's Rural African-American Heritage Grants Program. While Mt. Vernon is being renovated, the congregation has their services in the Grant Chapel AME Church in Palestine

There is no charge to attend, and all are welcome.

If you would like more information about Preservation Texas or to make an online donation to support the restoration of Mt. Vernon AME Church, please visit https://www.preservationtexas.