Pacoima : NAACP Fetes Black History at Church

The San Fernando Valley branch of the NAACP will celebrate the legacy and advancement of African Americans and commemorate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in its annual Jubilee Service on Sunday at the Calvary Baptist Church of Pacoima.

The Jubilee Service, which begins at 3:30 p.m., has been held at the church for the past 20 years, said the Rev. Zedar E. Broadous, president of the NAACP’s Valley branch.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in September 1862, and became effective Jan. 1, 1863. It freed slaves in all territories that were still at war with the Union.

“We’ve done this for many years,” said Broadous, whose brother, the Rev. William T. Broadous, serves as pastor at Calvary Baptist. “It’s a recognition and celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s also a look at where we need to go in the coming year.”

Broadous added that the service is also designed to remind local youth of the history of blacks’ struggle for freedom.

“We’ve got to keep our young people aware of our history,” Broadous said. “Most history taught in school is Eurocentric, and very little is given toward African American history. The only way to keep your culture and your history alive is to practice it.”

This year’s service will feature a performance by the 100-voice Men of the Valley Male Chorus. Broadous said the number 100 was chosen “in the spirit of the Million Man March,” held in October in Washington, D.C.

Calvary Baptist Church of Pacoima is located at 12928 Vaughn St.