Written by: Mary Sexton

Sunday, February 27, 2011

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) King James Version

Because a “Young Boy” (played by Keemon Cloud) was inquisitive about the changes that he saw in the people around him and curious about their hair styles, clothes and language wanted to know why there was such a difference when the color of their skin was the basically the same. A young boy who wanted to know how and when the changes evolved and what the common bond was between these different faces. He asked the question “Who are you, what do I call you?”……………

From “Africa” (played by Sis. Mary Sexton), he learned that this was the beginning of the Black race as we know it today. He learned that the beauty of the arts and the essence of rhythm was part of our heritage that came out of Africa. He learned that we are many faces, nations and tribes, but one people. But he also learned that through all of the trials, through all of the hurt and inequalities we faced, God sustained us and allowed us to press on!

From “Nigger” (played by Sis. Vanessia Arnold), he learned that we were an oppressed people who were held back and used as slaves, who had no claim to land and in some cases not even our own children! We were made to feel like we could not think for ourselves and were therefore second-class citizens who were only good for working in the fields, cooking and doing housework.

From “Colored” (played by Sis. Marlene Smith), he learned that this sea of faces are now being called ‘colored’ and were still oppressed, but they now had the ability to work in stores, go to school & college, and have somewhat decent homes, but within their own ‘colored’ neighborhoods. They served in wars, but were not recognized for their efforts. And when they had served their time in war, nothing had changed when they returned home.

From “African American” (played by Bro. Chandler), he learned that the brothers and sisters had emerged to define and emphasize who they were and why they were here! He learned that as a black people, we were learning that we had as much to offer the economy and the world as our Caucasian brothers and sisters. And in some cases, we could now go to better colleges and have even greater chances at more comfortable lives because of the emergence of equality & segregation.

From “Afro American” (played by Dea. Keith Holmes), he learned that while we tried to separate ourselves from other races by the way we wore our hair and by the kind of clothes we wore, we were still evolving as a race of black people. By now we had many more black role models in music, movies, sports, the medical field, journalism, law and politics that helped to revive in us a spirit and a need to be creative, to have self esteem and want to excel in our lives.

From “Black” (played by Bro. B. Wayne Brady), he learned that we had overcome many, many obstacles to declare that we now stand “Black & Proud!” before all to see. That overcoming obstacles and praying through our trials and hardships was our forte’. More role models were being brought to the forefront in literature, ministry and spiritual music. We claimed God as our savior and redeemer and gave Him all the glory! We now understand why and where we came from - It was all in God’s plan!

“For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” (Psalms 91:11) King James Version

This play was submitted by Rev. Sammie Stroud, Directed by Deaconess Yolanda Holmes, Instruction and Opening was given by Sis. Beatrice Ballenger. All songs in the program were sung by the PSMBC Choir.