CLARKSVILLE, TN – Each year, New Jerusalem Church celebrates the contributions and achievements of Black History in Clarksville’s community. 2024’s program included a dance performance by The Daughters of Jerusalem and a performance from the New Jerusalem Church choir, under the direction of Vernon Stem.
The NJ5 Student Ministry presented dedications from Alice Walker’s recent movie, “The Color Purple.” Also, a special tribute to Tina Turner under the direction of Minister Mary Franklin.
In the past seven years, in honor of Black History Month, they have celebrated leaders who have exercised paying it forward by giving from the depths of their heart. Some of the former recipients included two of the late greats: Joseph Roberts, Pastor, Jerry G. Jerkins; also, Lady, Naomi Jerkins, Mayor Joe Pitts, Cindy Pitts, and Kevin Kennedy.
In attendance was Mayor Joe Pitts, he deemed this as the best black history program in Clarksville Tennessee.
Walker defines these leaders with sincere gratitude for their services rendered: “Giving to them is not just making a donation, it’s about making a difference.” In the words of Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life, but what we give.”