Judson Memorial celebrates
Black History Month
BY TEQUILA MINSKY
In a very special service, Black Women as
Sacred Text, Judson Memorial Church community
members paid homage to Black History
Month on Feb. 16.
Judson is known to intermesh the arts with the
spiritual. In its adaptive sanctuary, rows circled an
open space where Nehemoyia Young moved and
spoke around the altar she created incorporating
images, fruits, and important quotes. The altar
became in part a hub for service.
Circle singing by SPACE—three
creatives—involved extemporaneous vocalizing
and harmonies of sounds, while encouraging
the congregation to join with them. Spoken
word artist/poet Nia Calloway (Judson Artistin
Residence) used movement to offer reflection.
Vanisha Gould, with her jazz trio, completely
entranced the congregation with her jazz rendition
entitled Song of Songs.
In the most respectful and inspirational way,
the special service (lasting one hour longer than
usual), wove together reflections, dance, music
and prayer, engaging, challenging and inspiring
the community as it marked Black History Month.
Nehemoyia Young mingles the secular and the sacred, creating
an altar with natural items, tech, and printed quotes.
SPACE vocalizes and encourages the congregation
Nehemoyia Young mingles the
secular and the sacred at the
Judson event.
Brooklyn-based Michelle
Y. Thompson, a singersongwriter,
photographer,
and cultural worker,
and Director of Arts
and Community Engagement
at Judson, was instrumental
in the inspirational
morning.
Spoken word and
movement reflections
from Nia Calloway.
PHOTOS BY TEQUILA MINSKY
Entranced by Vanisha Gould’s Song of
Songs, the congregation is seated surrounding
the artistic creation of Nehemoyia
Young’s altar.
“Celebrate with Me,”
by Lucille Clifton, read
by Jamya Montrevil and
Janay Cauthen.
Calloway’s reflection, more than
mere words, when describing
the middle passage.
to vocalize with them.
Vanisha Gould’s trio and Song of
Songs.
Spoken word and
movement reflections
from Nia
Calloway.
Schneps Media February 20, 2020 19