Tabernacle Baptist Church Black History Forum celebrates 41 years

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" rang triumphantly as dozens of attendees sang the Black National Anthem in a Baptist church on Second Avenue in downtown Beaver Falls.

“My mother, Clara Mae Cox, in 1985 had a vision for this event,” said Lonzie Cox Jr. as his fingers moved along the keys of an organ. Since his mother's passing, Cox and Linwood Alford Sr. have continued the vision of bringing people together to honor Black history.

For 41 years, the Annual Tabernacle Baptist Church Black History Forum has brought in historians, musicians, leaders and more to honor and celebrate the creativity, ingenuity and leadership of Black Americans historically, but to also showcase the many Black leaders in our communities.

This year’s speaker was Cathryn “CC” Calhoun, who is the director of education and community engagement at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh. Calhoun shared about Wilson’s life and legacy as a renowned playwright.

Attendees included local leaders like Beaver Falls Mayor Dr. Kenya Johns, U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Beaver County judges Kim Tesla and Richard Mancini and many community and church members.