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The last Sunday in February, blacks were recognized as part of the Black History Month Celebration. Tishama King highlighted Mary Ellen Pleasant (affectionately called, Miss Mary Ellen), born August 19, 1814. Mary Ellen was an American entrepreneur, financier, real estate magnate, and abolitionist. It was her aim to earn as much money as she was able to help as many people as she could. Her riches were used to provide transportation, housing and food for African Americans before and during the Civil War.

Mary Ellen Pleasant worked on the Underground Railroad and expanded it westward duirng the California Gold Rush era. More of her amazing story can be read on Wikipedia (Mary Ellen Pleasant). 

Rev. Dennis Marshall shared a partial list of biblical characters who were of African descent. The list included:

  • Nimrod a descendant of Cush who became a powerful leader in Shinar and founded empires such as Assyria and Babylonia, highlighting early African leadership in world history (Genesis 10:8-12)
  • Zipporah (Moses' wife) was a Cushite, indicating African presence in the Children of Israel Old Testament narrative (Numbers 12:1)
  • Queen Sheba, an Ethiopian brought a caravan of valuable gifts to give to King Solomon, demonstrating African engagement in wisdom and diplomacy (1 Kings 10:1-13)
  • Simon of Cyrene who was compelled to carry Jesus' cross when Jesus could carry it no more, representing African participation in pivotal New Testament event involving the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Mark 15:21)
  • Unamed Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the treasury for Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was approached by Philip with the gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized. He returned home to spead the gospel among his people, exemplifying early African inclusion in the spread of Christianty (Acts 8:26-40)