Students attending College Hour chapel at Fresno Pacific University will go out with a song on their lips and a call on their hearts during Black History Month.
Fresno vocalist Keysha Burns is leading songs at the end of each College Hour through February as a benediction. These selections were chosen for their importance to Black history and culture:
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—February 5
- “It’s Gonna Rain”—February 12
- “Go Down Moses”—February 19
- “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round”—February 26
“We hope this exposes students to a different aspect of worship and sends them out with a calling,” said Taylor Starks, assistant director of spiritual formation. College Hour takes place at 10:00 a.m. each Wednesday in Warkentine Culture and Arts Center.
Keysha Burns, leader of the Impromptu Band, is a Central Valley native who has sung all over the region as well as internationally. Her repertoire includes gospel, jazz, rock & Roll, country and R&B.
Other Black History Month activities at FPU include:
- The Intercultural Learning Center will host a Movie on the Green themed to Black History Month, starting at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 26. A discussion will follow and Kocky’s, a Black-owned business, will provide food. Located in the Steinert Campus Center on the main FPU campus, the ILC fosters opportunities for intercultural education that enhance the student experience. In addition to a wide range of activities for students and staff including workshops, presentations, conferences, debates, social intercultural activities and visits by experts in many fields, the center offers technology and study space for individuals and groups.
- FPU social media will share stories of Black students.