Remembering, Retelling, and Recommitting Centennial Black History Month Breakfast
By Clifford Jones

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Eta Nu Nu Chapter of the Illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. held its Centennial Black History Month Breakfast, commemorating 100 years of the founding of Negro History Week and the 50th anniversary of Black History Month with a powerful morning of reflection, inspiration, and recommitment. The program brought together community members, leaders, educators, and supporters for a meaningful observance rooted in faith, culture, and collective responsibility.
The morning began with a prelude concert by the First Church of God Worship Team, setting a reverent and welcoming tone for the program. Serving as emcee, Charity Martin-King guided the audience through the morning with poise and purpose, helping to frame the significance of the gathering and the importance of the occasion.
An invocation offered by Brother Bishop James DeLaney grounded the program in faith and gratitude, followed by a stirring rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing by the First Church of God Worship Team. The song served as both a reminder and a call, reinforcing the enduring power of Black voices, resilience, and unity across generations.
A libations ceremony led by Erin McDaniels honored ancestors and acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who came before us. This moment of remembrance created space for reflection and reinforced the program’s central theme of remembering, retelling, and recommitting, after which breakfast was served, allowing attendees time to fellowship and reflect as the program continued.
Following breakfast, a video presentation titled 100 Years of Black History highlighted the journey, struggles, triumphs, and contributions of Black Americans over the past century. The visual tribute reinforced the responsibility to preserve history while continuing to push forward with intentionality.
The keynote address was delivered by Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, whose message anchored the morning. Brother Judson L. Jeffries, PhD, MPH, introduced Brother Bishop Clarke with a stirring narrative befitting of the bishop’s stature. Bishop Clarke reminded those in attendance that Black history is not only something we study, but something we are responsible for protecting, living, and advancing. He emphasized that we must tell our story and that we have a story to tell. Not only the victories, but the struggles. He urged the audience to never be afraid to speak about the journey, to never give up, and to never stop singing our song. His words challenged everyone present to actively carry the legacy forward.
Cultural expression was provided by Tifani Kendrick, whose spoken word performance added depth and emotion to the program. Her words resonated strongly, reminding the audience that we were never meant to be just a dream. We were meant to be lived. The message reinforced the responsibility to move beyond reflection and into action.
Closing remarks were delivered by Colonel Matthew Coleman, Basileus, who reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to service, leadership, and community impact. The program concluded with a benediction by Bishop James DeLaney and a postlude concert by the First Church of God Worship Team.
The Centennial Black History Month Breakfast was more than a commemorative event. It was a call to remember our history, tell our stories accurately boldly, and recommit ourselves to shaping the future with purpose, courage, and unity.

​

​

February was chosen to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures who played significant roles in the fight against slavery and the advancement of African American freedom.​

Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926, created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson to promote the study of Black history year-round. ​​

Black History Month was officially recognized at the federal level in 1976, when President Gerald Ford called on Americans to fully acknowledge the contributions and achievements of African Americans in U.S. history.

Honoring 100 Years of Black History Month