UPPER LAKE, Calif. – February is Black History Month, the period annually set aside to recognize the contributions of black Americans and increase the awareness of a black heritage that, for many years was concealed because of racism.

The United Methodist Church, 604 Clover Valley Road in the town of Upper Lake, will celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 16, with a special program to recognize black heritage and history.

The celebration will start at 1 p.m. with a potluck luncheon of foods that are traditional in black culture and will feature vegetable dishes, dishes inspired by Africa, Southern food, desserts, poultry dishes and breads plus numerous other food items.

The black history program will start promptly at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Program performers include Doctor H. Vernetta Johnson, pain management specialist; Toni Stewart, Lakeport Women’s Civic Club President; and Mel O’Meara, retired Upper Lake High School teacher, singing “Go Down Moses.”

And what’s a gospel salute without the voices of John Tomkins, Mel O’Meara, Gary Lewis, Alexander O’Meara, Jill Shaul, Gail Albin, Sarah Tichava, Valerie Reid and Erica O’Meara, all whom make up the Upper Lake Community United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, directed by Nick Reid.

The choir will be performing several African American spiritual songs accompanied by pianist Michelle Wells Trigger.

The keynote speaker for the program will be well-known ophthalmologist, Dr. Alan Sampson.

You are invited to be immersed in the spiritual, cultural and historical perspectives of black Americans from the age of segregation to the 21st century as they celebrate Black History Month 2014.