Little Rock's Heritage and Cultural Awareness Weekend

Annual Heritage and Cultural Awareness Weekend at The Rock: Celebrating the Principal of UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)

During the month of February, we focus on our “Heritage.” Under the direction of Mrs. Robin and Mr. Keith Bradford, we had a very successful Heritage Celebration. As we focus on the Kwanzaa Principal “Ujamaa” (Cooperative Economics) we strive to build and keep our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to make money from them together. This celebration also pays homage to the many African-American trailblazers who gave of their blood, sweat, and tears fighting for equality for their people.

Our African Market Placed opened on Saturday, February 24, 2024, where vendors greeted us with African art, jewelry, clothing, lotions, oils, and many other items.

The celebration culminated with our Sunday, February 25 Morning Worship, where members and visitors very proudly and excitedly sang our Black National Anthem, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”, which tells our story, acknowledging where the Lord has brought us from.

Among our many visitors, we were blessed and honored to have worshiped with us Retired Bishop S. Chuka Ekemam, Sr., 83rd Bishop in the Line of Succession, A.M.E. Zion Church, and Ms. Black Charlotte. Our Adult Liturgical Dance Ministry blessed us through movement with the song “My Help Comes from The Lord.”

Our Guest Preacher, Rev. Al C. Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer of the A.M.E. Zion Church, was accompanied by his lovely wife, Mrs. Marguerite Hamilton. Rev. Hamilton used 2 Samual 6: 13-20 to preach a powerful and uplifting sermon with the Subject, “There Is A Story Behind My Praise.” He stated that people look at the glory, but they don’t know your story. He reminded us that when we look back over our lives and see where the Lord has brought us from, we can truly say, “Like David, there is a story behind our praise; we have been blessed.

Mrs. Narcissus Lowery, our 96-year-old active Matriarch, has been a member of Little Rock for 70 years. On this day, she rededicated her life to God and sang her favorite song, Nine-nine and a Half (Won’t Do). Mrs. Lowery has served as the President of Little Rock’s Usher Board for 47 years, and all ushers gathered around her as she sang her song.

We praise God for the two souls that were added to our roll and for the sixteen members who entered “Full Connection.” Mr. Gilbert McRae, Leader of Leaders, serves as the Class Leader for new members.

Immediately following morning worship, we greeted our vendors to continue our Heritage shopping spree. It was a good day - God was Glorified, Jesus was Magnified, Faith was Fortified, the People were Edified, and Ministry was Multiplied. God Gets the Glory…