The congregation—part of the Church of God in Christ denomination—has met for six years in a building at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Pine Avenue and faithfully celebrated Black History Month during its February services.

In recognition of Black History Month, church members sing old Negro spirituals like "Standing in the Need of Prayer," recite poems such as Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise," watch youth perform an African dance and listen to a guest speaker talk about "Black History as Reflected in the Old Testament."

"It encourages me to continue in the legacy of our forefathers," said Jamel Thompson, a church board member who selected the poems and oversaw the dance rehearsals during the month-long celebration.

The combination of music, dance, poetry and Bible teaching reflects the richness of her culture, she said. "If you don't educate yourself, you'll miss out," Thompson added.

Members agree that being able to share that history with the younger generation and present it from their own perspective is a valuable opportunity.

"I'm trying to teach my sons more about their heritage and the struggles," Moses Erving said. "[Black History Month] is a special time for us to remember, but it's something I deal with every day."

Life's triumphs and the hardships create a sense of unity and compassion for those facing similar experiences, said guest speaker Pastor Clifford Harris.

"Separation is a myth," he said. "We were all joined together with one blood."

He urged the church to "take time to reflect and see how God has brought you over the highways and byways."

Harris said that the church makes up one body. "You may be somebody's legs, arms or ears. When you're down, maybe I can help you."

Church member Phil Davis said that the small congregation is like a family and "it puts a smile on your face to see everyone."

He added that without their church, the members would be missing that strong sense of community.

"Everyone feels the closeness," Thompson said, especially during Black History Month. "We celebrate the positive influence we had on America's growth," she said, mentioning black inventors, poets and founders.

Black History Month Committee Chairwoman Deborah LeFalle said the contributions of African Americans were overlooked and undocumented for decades. But Black History Month helps bring their accomplishments to the forefront.

LeFalle, who lives in Willow Glen, said she hopes the church's activities become better known so local residents get involved and participate in creating a stronger community.

For church members like Rosemary James, historical accounts of black heritage are still vivid. As a young girl living an hour from Little Rock, Ark., she experienced the early years of school desegregation, while attending school. And she takes a broadbrush view on the meaning of Black History Month.

"The main thing I really pray we get is that people died for us," James said. "Generations up to now have been destroyed. Children are not being taught the meaning of slavery and what Martin Luther King Jr. died for. They're throwing their futures away when they should be concentrating on education. If their parents don't have means, [the children] can still overcome the difficulties."

For James, meeting with her brothers and sisters at church is like a spiritual shot in the arm. "When I go to church there is comfort," she said. "There is strength in people coming together agreeing on things and there's a spirit that's so high. The spirit wraps you up and cradles you in the arms."

Coming together and knowing the Bible are key to making life work, she said. She added that her heroes are Martin Luther King Jr., Barbara Jordan and Maya Angelou.

"Each of us has a journey," James said. "You've got to make your own joy. No matter what color you are, your blood is still red."