April 2012 Issue

Page 14

St. Mark’s 100th Anniversary L–R: Principal Antwan Allen (1993) and Chantal Stevens, Advisory Board member, her daughter and Sheila Robinson (1960's) William London (1940’s)

Graduates (1950's and 1940's)

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t. Mark the Evangelist School, the first Catholic school for black children in Harlem, was founded in 1912 by Sr. Katharine Drexel (now Saint Katharine Drexel). At the time, black children were not welcomed at any other Catholic school in the community. Over 90 percent of St. Mark's students are of African descent; over 60 percent are from the Harlem community. As part of the yearlong celebration of its 100th Anniversary, St. Mark the Evangelist School hosted an Alumni Gospel Brunch on Sunday, March 25 at Bishop Perry Hall. Alumni who attended the school from the 30s through the 80s were in attendance. The oldest alumna at the brunch was Letitia Mero, who graduated in 1932! The program included a viewing of the St. Mark’s

L–R: Martha Cooper (1956) Letitia Mero (1932) Camille Windley (1953) Camellia Mero (1959)

Myrtle C. Graham (1943) and Carlton Cooper (1951)

video, acknowledgement of the alumni by the decade in which they attended St. Mark and a performance by the school gospel choir, Voices of Praise. St. Mark 1993 graduate Antwan Allen, who is currently the school principal, described the event as a rare and unique opportunity to celebrate St. Mark's historical significance as a Catholic institution. “As the youngest alumnus present, it was a special experience for me to be able to share so much of St. Mark's past with individuals who hold the school so close to their hearts.” Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

Convent Ave Baptist Church Pulling Down Relationship Strongholds

Host Pastor Rev. Jesse Williams and Rev. Nathan Byrd, pastor of Worship Center of St. Albans, Jamaica NY

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Entrepreneur, Joe Holland signs his book, From Harlem with Love: An Ivy Leaguer's Inner City Odyssey at the conference.

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The Positive Community April 2012

onvent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem recently hosted its 5th Annual Marriage and Singles Enrichment Conference. This year’s theme: Pulling Down Relationship Strongholds. “…For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds…” 2 Corinthians 10:4 www.thepositivecommunity.com


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