Zion Baptist Church Marks Black History Month with Music, Reflection and a Call to Stand for Justice

By Neil Zolot

Zion Baptist Church was filled with music and words of wisdom during its annual Black History Month service Sunday afternoon, February 15. “We do so in recognition of our heritage,” Senior Pastor Bishop Robert Brown said. “It’s a time to celebrate and remember the people on whose shoulders we stand.”

He also noted the church is the oldest African American Church in Everett, dating back 135 years. Originally on Cottage Street, they’ve occupied their current location, 757 Broadway, since the 1990s.

Black History Month started in 1970 and was an expansion of Negro History Week, which started in 1926. Executive Pastor Bishop Regina Shearer said Black History Month is about “…achievements of African Americans in this country, but it’s not just black history we also celebrate. It’s this nation’s history we celebrate. This nation is better when we celebrate each other.”

“It’s recognition of Black History Month as well as people being able to see ourselves,” Simone Holyfield of the Everett Historical Commission added. “We have a population of African Americans who are descendants of slaves, myself included. Sharing stories of our history is part of healing. We’re sharing our culture and practicing understanding and togetherness.”

However, Guest Preacher Reverend Jeffrey Brown, Associate Pastor of the Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston’s Roxbury area, sounded a cautious note. Citing the elimination of exhibits about black history in some museums and likening the political situation in the country to him walking along dark country roads in North Carolina as a boy, he said, “We are in dark times, and it gets even darker as they try to erase our history. We have seen a steady erosion of the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act. People are saying to us we’ve had enough time to advance. We need to find something to hold onto. I’d rather live in a country where I can see all the flaws stacked up with all the good things.”

The Twelfth Baptist Church is also noted as being a place where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke. In introducing Jeffrey Brown, Shearer cited his participation in the Boston Miracle program and Boston TenPoint Coalition to reduce youth violence in the 2010s that reduced youth crime 79%. “He’s a legacy-leaving leader,” she said. “He’s not only made history, but he’s making history as a faith leader.”

“We are in troubled times,” Robert Brown agreed in remarks following Jeffrey Brown’s. “So many things are going on that’s causing concern. There’s a lot on the news that’s disturbing. We see things we consider unrighteous. What can we do to make a difference? Wrong is always wrong but love will overshadow hate. We need to be cognizant of our surroundings and reach out to people. We must not become involved, we must not be silent, and we must stand up for righteousness. Maybe we can begin the process of making a better world and making a better way for those coming down the road. It is my intention to make sure we get it right.”

He also encouraged people to “be proud of what you are. We’ve all had nasty histories, but we can overcome that.”

The service was interspersed with songs by the Zion Praise Team of Shearer, Deacon Trevon Cranston, Robert Brown’s daughter Dominique Gooding and Devon Moore. In other segments, Erica Jarvis read Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” Jenara Bourguignon sang “Young, Gifted and Black” and Deacon Ron Holliman read Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Among those attending were Mayor Van Campen’s Special Assistant, Chris Connolly; the Mayor’s Executive Office Manager, Kristin Leonard; Councillor-at-Large Holly Garcia; former Mayor and Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon; and former Ward 6 Councillor Al Lattanzi. “I wanted to be involved,” Garcia said.

“Black History Month is a time to reflect on all the positive contributions Black Americans have given to Everett, Massachusetts and our country as a whole,” Connolly said after the service. “The beautiful songs and sermon brought to light that love always overcomes hate. Guest Preacher Reverend Jeffrey Brown lifted the hearts and souls of all those in attendance. His message of love, unity and respect echoed through the congregation.”