ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) — People filled the Faith Temple Community Church on Sunday, Feb. 22, for a special Black History Month Program. The evening began with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

“Knowledge, information, togetherness, and we’re unifying as a people of the community of all colors that we can do something positive together,” said event organizer and Program of PEACE co-founder Willie Owens.

The evening was filled with a mix of dance, music, and speeches. It also featured several kids from around the area who gave an oral history of different Black trailblazers.

Organizers said it’s important to get everyone involved to learn about Black history. Adding that it’s up to everyone to tell these stories.

“If we forget the past, we might not be able to have the confidence in ourselves to do the things that we can do,” said Troy Council, an event organizer and co-founder of Program of PEACE.

Program of PEACE has been holding the Black History Month celebration program for the past few years. Organizers said it’s important to get the community involved each year.