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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ annual celebration of Black History Month will feature local choirs. “We are very excited about our program this year which will emphasize the Negro Spiritual,” said Church spokesperson, Ronald McClain. The events will be held at the Church’s Temple Hill complex at 4710 Lincoln Avenue in Oakland. They are free and the public is invited.

“For our first event which will be on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 7:00 PM in our auditorium, we are privileged to present an evening of Negro Spirituals performed by the 50-voice Oakland Community Choir directed by noted choral arranger and director, Professor Bill Bell,” McClain added. Professor Bell, who recently retired from his position as chairman of the music department at the College of Alameda, will also speak on the history of the Negro Spiritual and its development as an art form.

On Saturday, February 13, 2010, at 7:00 PM, the Evergreen Baptist Church Choir will perform in the Visitors’ Center.

On Saturday, February 20, 2010, at 5:00 PM, in the auditorium, former NBA star Thurl Bailey will sing and talk about his conversion to the Church and life in the NBA.

The month’s activities will conclude with the heralded Oakland Interfaith Gospel Youth Choir, under the Direction of Terrance Kelly, on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 7:00 PM in Visitors’ Center.

Last, the Church’s Visitors’ Center will have on display posters of prominent African-Americans and artwork throughout February.