Historic Church in Seattle Hosts Free Black History Month Film Series for All

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, located in Seattle’s historic Central District, will host “Freedom Fridays: A Black History Month Community Film Series.” The church will show the film "The Black Church" on Friday, Feb. 16 (episode 1) and Friday, Feb. 23 (episode 2). Both start at 6 p.m.

Additionally, a special premiere of the King County Reparations Project introductory video will show at 5:30 p.m. on February 23, a documentary detailing the African American experience of displacement and gentrification from Seattle’s Central District.

Immediately following the films, viewers can enjoy a panel discussing the history, role and relevance of the Black church featuring the Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton, pastor of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship of Kent, Washington, the Rev. Dr. Carey Anderson, pastor of Seattle’s oldest African American congregation – First African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Jeffrey, pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. There will be a game room for children and youth during the event, which is free and open to all. It will take place at New Hope Church, located at 124 21st Ave. in Seattle.

“It is important that the Black church recognizes Black History Month in ways that brings community together as well as explores ways to be even more responsive to the needs of the community,” notes the Rev. LaNesha DeBardelaben, New Hope’s assistant pastor and public historian of the African American experience.  “This educational event will be a catalyst for collective empowerment and transformation.”