Black History Month concert Sunday celebrates all people

Minister Marcellus Barnes, from Mount Cannan Baptist Church, speaks during the Jubilee Day service at the Westside Baptist Church. Jubilee Day is an annual event when Black Americans come together to celebrate their freedom from slavery in this 2009 file photo. Minister Marcellus Barnes, from Mount Cannan Baptist Church, speaks during the Jubilee Day service at the Westside Baptist Church. Jubilee Day is an annual event when Black Americans come together to celebrate their freedom from slavery in this 2009 file photo.

By Yolanda Putman February 20, 2015 3 min read

If you go

What: Sounds of Unity Black History Month concert When: 6 p.m. Sunday. Doors open at 5 p.m. Where: Abba’s House, 5208 Hixson Pike Admission: $10. Tickets may be purchased at Herman’s Soul Food Restaurant, 3821 Brainerd Road; Giorgio’s Men’s Warehouse, 704 Market St.; and the Abba’s House bookstore. Abba’s House is located at 5208 Hixson Pike.

It’s hard living in racial unity when you seldom see it, said Marcellus Barnes.

He said he grew up in a majority black Christian church and rarely saw blacks and whites worshiping together.

So on Sunday, the 33-year-old local minister of music plans to host what he says will be one of the most racially diverse Black History Month programs and worship services in the city.

“We want to show our young people who come that night that God is a god of all people, the human race. And it takes all of us coming together to make a difference in our communities,” said Barnes.