Bethany Baptist Church, Say Yes to Education celebrate Black History Month with Turning Another Page Festival

If you’d like to enrich the souls and inspire the hearts of your children through an engaging musical learning experience during Black History Month, don’t miss the Turning Another Page (TAP) festival presented by Bethany Baptist Church in Syracuse. This year’s theme is “Reviving Spiritual Growth in our Community.” The celebration kicks off on Friday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. with special performances by renowned tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis and concert pianist LaTonya Wrenn. The Harriet Tubman Spirit Award will be presented to community activist Mary Nelson.

Saturday, Feb. 26, is a full day dedicated to community and youth. At 10 a.m., an inspiring, educational and fun music workshop begins for youth in grades 6-12. The workshop, offered in conjunction with Say Yes to Education, will provide the opportunity for children to work alongside Wrenn, professor of music at Bowie State University, and music education leader Joan Hillsman. During the workshop, students will interact with Wrenn on classical piano and other genres, including gospel music. In addition, students will be taught music composed by Hillsman. The song selections they will learn, which Hillsman calls “Something to Sing About,” follow the idealism of Martin Luther King Jr. A continental breakfast and lunch are provided. To register for the workshop, call the Bethany Baptist Church office at (315) 446-5080.

Other activities on Saturday include poetry readings, historical enactments, Pan Africa dance, an exhibit by local artists, gospel choir performances and the presentation of the youth Unsung Hero Award.

For more information, contact the Rev. Phil M. Turner at (315) 446–5080, or bethanybaptistchurch@verizon.net.