Norwich Cathedral held its first special service for Black History Month during Choral Evensong, featuring performances by an international drumming group and a gospel choir. The service began with a procession of African drumming by the International Music Group, followed by music and compositions by African heritage composers sung by the Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir. Revd Cheryl Ramballi, a member of the Racial Justice Action Group, read the first lesson, and the Power and Beauty Gospel Band performed worship songs. Revd Canon Karlene Kerr, the Bishop’s Adviser on ‘From Lament to Action’, preached a sermon emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect, dignity, and compassion, regardless of their ethnicity. The service concluded with prayers led by members of the Racial Justice Action Group and a blessing by the Bishop of Lynn.
Revd Tim Yau, a priest in the Diocese of Norwich and mentor with the National Racial Justice Unit, attended the service and described it as a powerful and unifying experience. He praised Revd Karlene Kerr’s sermon for its message of love, justice, and inclusivity. The service was deemed a memorable and inspiring celebration of Black History Month. As part of the month’s events, an art exhibition highlighting Anglican Saints of black heritage was displayed at Norwich Cathedral, curated by Revd Cheryl Ramballi. The service and exhibition aimed to raise awareness of black history and celebrate the contributions of black individuals within the Anglican community.
The inclusion of African drumming, music by African heritage composers, and worship songs by the Power and Beauty Gospel Band added a vibrant and diverse element to the Choral Evensong service, honoring Black History Month in a meaningful way. The service emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating people of diverse backgrounds within the church community, promoting a message of inclusivity and respect for all individuals. Revd Canon Karlene Kerr’s sermon underscored the need for honest, integrity-driven interactions with others, treating each person as a reflection of God’s image and deserving of respect and kindness. The service and art exhibition at Norwich Cathedral served as a platform for highlighting the rich history and contributions of black individuals within the church and society.
Overall, the special service for Black History Month at Norwich Cathedral was a significant and impactful event, showcasing the talents of various cultural groups and promoting a message of love, justice, and inclusivity within the church community. The service, led by Revd Canon Karlene Kerr and featuring performances by the International Music Group and Power and Beauty Gospel Band, provided a platform for celebrating Black history and honoring the contributions of black individuals within the Anglican community. The art exhibition highlighting Anglican Saints of black heritage further underscored the importance of recognizing and commemorating the diverse cultural backgrounds of individuals within the church. The service and exhibition at Norwich Cathedral served as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, respect, and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity.
