Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland and the United Kingdom it is observed in October.

2015 was the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Also in 1865, with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, ownership of human beings ended in all states though existing black codes were reinforced in 1865 and 1866 to replace the slave codes in Southern states, helping bring on Reconstruction legislation from the US Congress.

Historian Carter G. Woodson, along with colleagues at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), established Negro History Week in 1926. With mobs still lynching African Americans every year (335 deaths reported in the 1920’s, of the total 4400 from 1877 to 1950 documented by the Equal Justice Initiative) and a surge of race riots sweeping the country, Woodson wanted to provide a counterpoint to the racist perspectives that dominated America. Initially observed in black schools, churches and social organizations, the event grew into Black History Month (also known as African American History Month) with the US Congress designation of February as National Black History Month in 1986. 

A Look at Selma 1965

For contemporary New York Times reports, access PDFs in Michael Gonchar’s post for the newspaper’s Learning Network blog. There students can review the history of voting rights in the US, noting the US Supreme Court’s 2013 decision striking down part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.In 2015 many media outlets recognized the 50th anniversary of the Selma March. Civil rights activists met violence in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965, as they attempted to walk from that town to Montgomery to protest a state trooper’s fatal shooting of Jimmie Lee Jackson, a young African-American demonstrator, days earlier and to further their voter registration efforts.

For contemporary New York Times reports, access PDFs in Michael Gonchar’s post for the newspaper’s Learning Network blog. There students can review the history of voting rights in the US, noting the US Supreme Court’s 2013 decision striking down part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

In 2015 many media outlets recognized the 50th anniversary of the Selma March. Civil rights activists met violence in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965, as they attempted to walk from that town to Montgomery to protest a state trooper’s fatal shooting of Jimmie Lee Jackson, a young African-American demonstrator, days earlier and to further their voter registration efforts. You can review the history of voting rights in the US, noting the US Supreme Court’s 2013 decision striking down part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

At TFCC each week in February OUR YOUTH presented a black history moments.

Presentations: Ashiah/Mahalia Jackson, Ashlynn/Catherne Carter-Blackwell, Haden/Phyllis Smith, Willow/Katherine Jackson, Myles/Gerald Lawson, Nevaeh/Rosa Parks, Nasir/Lebron James. Last but not least Sis Carolyn Ferguson gave us an exposé of her family history from the cotton field to the board room. Hats off to the Cunningham family’s legacy.

Why study Black History? Because Black History is American History. TFCC will continue to celebrate contributions of our ancestors all year.

Bible Study

ZOOM 845-610-1313 Passcode 6ngZKH has resumed. We are Back in full affect - in person and on zoom! Look for your weekly announcements.

Sunday School Sundays @8:15 am

Faith Girls Ministry led by Sis Conda Taylor, meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at Total Faith, 6-7p. Their praise theme this year is “We Have the Victory in 2023”

Food Pantry 3rd Saturdays @12p

Total Faith Development (501C3)

Mentor Program – To date four sessions have taken place at Ellis Elementary School. There ae twelve mentors. Both 5th grade teachers are on board and excited that we are available for the kids. There are 9-10 boys per class. After the first session, Ms. Bolden, fifth grade teacher reported boys came back to class excited and motivated. All boys are addressed as prince. Mentors do this so boys can realize their rightful place in our society. TFD is in need of male mentors.   If you are interested in walking aside of these young boys, our future leaders, please contact, Renade Cossey.

TFCC and Community Events

TFCC ADULTS AND YOUTH PLEASE PASS ON THIS INFORMATION TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY USING YOUR FAVORITE MEDIA COMMUNICATION. WE WANT TO FILL THE HOUSE WITH YOUNG PEOPLE!

Please note our very own Lady Shurice Hunter and Sis Sharon Carpenter are among the panelist for thist “Wilderness Experience”.

City of Rockford

Announces One-Week Collection

For Storm-Related Limbs and Branches

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Rock River Disposal will be performing a special one-week collection for storm-related limbs and branches the week of March 6, 2023. Limbs and branches should be placed in 2-ply compostable paper bags or in 32 gallon or smaller garbage cans clearly marked with a large “X” that is visible from the street. Twigs, branches and other types of large brush that cannot fit into either of these containers must be placed into bundles no more than 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter. Bundles should be tied with string or twine and not metal, plastic, or tape. Branches and limbs exceeding 4 inches in diameter will not be accepted. No bag, can or bundle can weigh more than 50 pounds when loaded.

The start of normal yard waste season will begin the week of March 20, 2023. All storm debris and yard waste should be placed out for collection at the same time as household waste and recyclables.