Two Wheaton churches to host Black History Month programs in February

Hope Presbyterian Church and Bethel New Life Church, two congregations that share worship space in Wheaton, will celebrate Black History Month together with a series of programs in February.

The congregations came together to engage in conversations about racial healing prompted by vandalism of Black Lives Matter signage at Hope Church in the summer of 2020. This led to a joint Juneteenth celebration, combined services, and a renewed focus on building unity.

For Black History Month, there's a "Famous African Americans" museum in the church's sanctuary, 1771 S. Wiesbrook Road in Wheaton. Programs will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Sundays throughout the month.

On Feb. 6, "Two Friends Talking" will feature a conversation with members Mazell Sykes, who is Black, and Rachelle Zola, who is white. They will share their lived experiences and the realities of racism, white privilege and steps to take to heal.

On Feb. 13 in "Cultural Sensitivity Through the Media," the Rev. Ron Beauchamp, pastor of Bethel New Life's predominantly Black congregation, and the Rev. Jay Moses, pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church, will talk about cultural sensitivity and the portrayal of Blacks in the media in all its forms, including literature, television and movies.

On Feb. 20, church youth will present poems and excerpts from speeches composed and delivered by famous African Americans.

On Feb. 27, enjoy "A Taste of Bethel New Life" feast to gain an understanding of the origin of traditional soul foods.

The sessions are open to other congregations and community members. For information, visit www.facebook.com/bethelnewlifechurch2015/, www.hopepresbyterian.org or www.facebook.com/hopepresbyterianchurchwheatonillinois/.