Celebrating Black History Month: Feb 23

As February continues, Trinity Lutheran Church & Schools honors Black History Month by celebrating the contributions of Black composers and artists. Each week, we explore the creative expressions that inspire reflection, connection, and action.

Snoopy—Early Sun Display on Earth by Alma Thomas [Smithsonian]

Spotlight on Cover Art: Alma Thomas

This Sunday, we feature Snoopy—Early Sun Display on Earth by Alma Thomas, a trailblazing abstract artist and the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Inspired by the Apollo 10 mission and the iconic Earthrise photo, Thomas captures the vibrancy of our planet through bold colors and rhythmic patterns. Her work celebrates the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of life, offering a hopeful perspective on humanity’s place in the universe.

Thomas’s artistic journey is remarkable. Raised in a household that valued culture and learning, she became Howard University’s first fine arts graduate and devoted 35 years to teaching art. After retiring, she developed her signature style, creating paintings that radiate joy and optimism. Thomas’s philosophy centered on the transformative power of beauty, which she believed could uplift the human spirit even in challenging times.

To learn more about Alma Thomas and her work, visit this link.

Ragtime with Scott Joplin

Our centering music for this Sunday will be Scott Joplin’s Heliotrope Bouquet, co-composed with Louis Chauvin. This ragtime classic is a shining example of African American musical innovation at the turn of the 20th century. Ragtime, with its syncopated rhythms and elegance, bridged the gap between classical and modern music, creating a uniquely American sound.

Heliotrope Bouquet carries Joplin’s signature brilliance, blending joyful melodies with poignant harmonies. As Joplin instructed on the piece’s title page: “Don’t play this piece fast. It is never right to play ‘ragtime’ fast.” This directive invites listeners to fully immerse themselves in the rich, intricate textures of the music. The prelude is not just a musical masterpiece but also a testament to the enduring legacy of Black composers who shaped our cultural history.

Singing the "This Little Light of Mine"

"This Little Light of Mine" – the simple yet powerful melody has echoed through generations, a beacon of hope and resilience. This spiritual, and others like it, are profoundly linked to Black History Month. They aren't just songs; they are testaments. They embody the strength, faith, and unwavering spirit of a people who faced unimaginable hardship. Within the lyrics, often coded with double meanings, you hear cries for freedom, expressions of faith, and declarations of self-worth.

These spirituals weren't just sung in churches; they were sung in fields, in secret gatherings, and in the depths of despair. They were a lifeline, a source of power, and a way to preserve cultural identity in the face of oppression. During Black History Month, when we sing these songs, we're not just remembering the past, we are actively participating in honoring it. We are amplifying the voices of those who refused to be silenced, ensuring their light continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path towards a more just future. These spirituals remind us that even in the darkest of times, hope, like a little light, can endure.

Reflecting Together

This Black History Month, we honor the creativity, resilience, and faith of artists and composers like Alma Thomas, Scott Joplin, and countless others. Their work continues to inspire, uplift, and call us to a deeper understanding of beauty, connection, and humanity.