Black History Month

This February, (G)RACE Speaks invites you to a month of variety of events designed to educate, inspire, and foster meaningful conversations about racial justice. Through music, discussion, worship, and reflection, we affirm the God-given dignity of every person and promote sacred conversations about race.

Sunday Worship Series

Each Sunday in February, our worship will reflect on the words of the prophets, focusing on living faithfully in challenging times when the harmful hold power.

Events

GOSPEL CONCERT: Uplifting Every Voice: Singing for Liberation & Justice
Saturday, February 1st at 3:30pm

Kicking off Black History Month, the Old South Church Gospel Choir will join guest choirs Joyful Voices of Inspiration and Sharing a New Song in musical celebration. Our guest choirs are directed by special guest artist Donnell Patterson, with support from his amazing instrumentalists.  

Concert proceeds will benefit the work of the Immigrant Family Services Institute. The concert has been organized by Gospel Choir Director Tim Harbold, on behalf of (G)RACE Speaks, with generous support from Music at Old South. The concert is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit the work of Immigrant Family Services Institute. $20 dollar donations are suggested, but all are welcome to give according to their ability.

Uplifting Every Story: Words & Music of Liberation and Justice

DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE: A REVOLUTIONARY ENCOUNTER IN LONDON
A Play about Phillis Wheatley & Benjamin Franklin

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE FEATURING: CASTLE OF OUR SKINS

Sunday, February 9th, 2:30-4:30pm, in the Gordon Chapel and on live stream

Old South's (G)RACE Speaks Committee is teaming up with local playwright Debbie Wiess to present as a staged reading, A Revolutionary Encounter in London, her 70-minute one-act play about the little-known meeting in London summer 1773 of two of Boston's Colonial icons: enslaved African Poetess Phillis Wheatley and American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.

Witness these two important figures in Old South's history converse in their spiritual home, 252 years after their famous encounter. There will also be a special musical performance by Castle of Our Skins and refreshments to enjoy. You don't want to miss it!

Click here to register.  The event is free to attend; however donations to support the church's Racial Justice efforts will be gratefully accepted. Click here to tune in via live stream.

(G)RACE Speaks Anti-racism Language Workshop
Sunday, February 16th at 10 am on the 2nd Floor

Join us for the 10 o’clock hour on Sunday Feb 16th as we explore the language of antiracism and align the terminology we use at Old South Church, as we continue our journey to being the anti-racist church we aspire to be. Old South members Amy Coe and Anne Scholder will lead this discussion on behalf of (G)Race Speaks on the 2nd floor.

Pilgrimage to Seek Truth & Justice with Rev. June
Sunday February 23, 10am, 2^nd floor Mary Norton Hall

Join us at the Community Hour Forum to hear from OSC members that participated in a Pilgrimage to Seek Truth and Justice in the fall of 2024. Traveling to Montgomery and Selma, we not only visited the hallowed sites of the civil rights movement, but heard first-hand stories from veteran and current activists. The Pilgrimage was led by our Theologian in the City, Rev. June Cooper. Please join us and be inspired!

About (G)RACE Speaks

The (G)RACE Speaks Committee affirms the sacred worth of every individual by fostering conversations on race within the life of Old South Church. Guided by the Seven Gifts of the Spirit—Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety, and Wonder—we aim to build a community proficient in protecting the dignity of self and others. Grounded in biblical and theological thought, this work is a profoundly Christian undertaking.