The children and adult clients at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus celebrated Black History Month through music at a spirited singalong and dance party held in the Intergenerational Park on Friday, Feb. 17.
“Music is a vital part of the fabric of our African American culture,” said Wanda Gray, Intergenerational Activities Coordinator. “It has been used to get us through trials, to express our emotions and to enliven our spirituality.”
Local musician Bobby Jiles led the audience in “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black American National Anthem. He then performed a medley of chart-toppers by African American male singers—from Lou Rawls’ “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to Fats Domino’s “Kansas City.”
Reflecting the power of African American spirituals, an intergenerational choir made up of adult clients and 4-year-olds joined their voices in “This Little Light of Mine.” Vice President of Adult Day Services Joyce Davis did a supremely convincing impression of Diana Ross, belting out “Stop! In the Name of Love.”
The floor was filled with dancers of all ages, moving to a hit parade of songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The kids became music makers, too, shaking bells in time with the beat. The event was just one of several intergenerational activities St. Ann Center planned to commemorate February–Black History Month.