El Bethel Divine Holiness Church, Jacksonville Florida put on its Annual Black History Celebration. In attendance we’re Jacksonville judges, attorneys, city officials, Ken Jefferson and producer Raj Gupta.
The presiding host for the event was Judge Erin Perry. The message came from none other than circuit court Judge Lester B. Bass, Judge Bass, was introduced by his lovely wife Selena Webster-Bass, who is the Founder of Voices Institute.
Judge Bass delivered a powerful message and gave us more insight on the legacy of JAMES WELDON JOHNSON, a Jacksonville native who authored the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This marks the 120th Anniversary of the song that became the Black National Anthem.
We also her words of encouragement from Judge Bruce Anderson, Judge Maureen Horkan, and other City officials. They all expressed their continued commitment to help make a difference in the Jacksonville community. Members of Lorenzo Hall Lodge 458 and their Worshipful Master Gary Hamilton, were present to support the event.
We also heard from Film & Music Producer Raj Gupta, who spoke about his Legendary Iconic grandmother Ja”Net Dubois, Who is a Co-Founder of the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), she recently passed at 88 years of age. Gupta and Bishop Hall, shared with the congregation when Ja’Net Dubois, came to Jacksonville Florida, to record for an audiobook project called “Neila”. After leaving Frank Cleveland’s Dunamus Recording Studio. Ja’Net, stopped to see El Bethel and Bishop Hall to enjoy some of as the bishop calls it “ Big Daddy’s South in Your Mouth Barbecue.”
After Gupta finish sharing his heart felt regards, Judge Bass along with his wife Selena Bass, and all the other judges offered their condolences to Gupta for the loss of his superstar grandmother who played Willona on Good Times. Judge Bass stated “Ja’Net Dubois, was an inspiration to African-American community with all that she accomplished and she will be missed.”
Bishop Lorenzo Hall, closed the ceremony out with solo performance. Bishop Hall stated “With city officials and judges like these, who have a heart for the people in the community then Jacksonville still has hope.” Bishop Hall, also shared his vision to develop the El Bethel Community Development Center. This all purpose community project will cost well over $400,000 dollars. Bishop Hall, is scheduled to start breaking ground on this project sometime this spring. He expressed that anyone who makes a sizable donation their name will be etched in the cornerstone of the building forever commemorating their commitment to the community project.
Website: https://elbetheldc.wordpress.com/
Phone: 904-374-3940
Email: gospell25@aol.com
Country: Jacksonville Florida United States
