Jubilee residents and staff celebrated Black History Month together with an evening of performance, history, food, and sharing on Friday, February 23.

Jazz by saxophonist Andre Prailow, Jubilee resident Curtis Prailow’s cousin, greeted guests as they arrived at The Festival Center, at 1640 Columbia Road, for the event.

A committee of residents, led by Aurora Milas, planned the event, which featured a variety of opportunities for guests to deepen their understanding of African-American history and culture. Edmund Bell, Antoinette Burriss, Romaine Johnson, Curtis Prailow, and Melissa Taylor rounded out the planning committee. Jubilee staff Christi Johnson and Barbara Moore provided support.  

Local actor Chef T opened the program with a dramatic presentation on Black history and performed “Oh Freedom,” an old Negro spiritual, written after the Civil War by an unknown author, that expresses the dignity of former slaves after slavery’s end. Guests participated in Black history trivia and joined together to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a cherished song of the Civil Rights Movement written by African-American poet James Weldon Johnson and often referred to as the Black National Anthem.

Tables in the center’s large conference room were adorned with sparkling red centerpieces to highlight the celebration and many guests came dressed in their Sunday best. Residents, staff, and local businesses contributed dishes to the bountiful dinner.

Approximately 50 residents and staff enjoyed the rich and enriching celebration.