In February, many churches held programs to honor Black history-makers and their contributions to make the world a better place.

Grace, a United Methodist community in the Miami Valley District, honored Black History Month by serving the Dayton community and celebrating its local artists.

In February, Grace hosted a free record-expungement clinic in partnership with the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers project. “Grace UMC Dayton believes that every citizen deserves a second chance,” said the Rev. Don Wilson, lead pastor. “The expungement clinic helps an individual by removing items from their record that are barriers preventing consideration for employment, housing and school admission.”

On March 26, Grace UMC opens the Grace Art Showcase to celebrate local artists. The showcase begins with a reception hosted by Wilson and Grace UMC. Artists include Shirley Tucker, Morris T. Howard, Shakeena Campbell, Artbys Campbell, Heidi Arnold and Donovan Lewis, with a special feature: Hyacinth Paul. The showcase will remain open through March.

Grace will host another ministry event: a driver’s license clinic to guide and assist individuals who qualify for driver’s license-reinstatement services. Licenses can be suspended for not paying child support or traffic fines. This clinic is scheduled for May.

Jacqueline Moore, outreach director at Grace, said, “The clinic went really well, and people were able to get the help they needed.”

Grace is not new to community engagement. Each year, they participate in outreach through Freedom Schools, Dayton Cooks and prison ministry.

For more information, click here 

^{Written by Amy Graham, Communications Specialist}