On March 2, 2007, Kansas City will host the Annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. The purpose of this week-long workshop is to bring attention to the AIDS pandemic within the minority community.
Ministers and clergy from around the metropolitan area come together, during this week, to address the issues of AIDS and attempt to offer a solution to the problem. Although this was originally an African-American event, it has, in recent years, encompassed the Hispanic community as well.
This year there will be a variety of events aimed at both churches and those affected by the AIDS virus. These range from workshops to plays and musicals. The schedule to date is as follows:
Friday and Saturday March 2 and 3, Gospel Workshop
Location: Calvary Temple Baptist Church, 2940 Holmes
National recording artist Pastor Michael Fletcher will lead area choir directors and members in a workshop designed to increase their chorale skills.
Sunday March 4, Sometimes I Cry
Location: Gem Theater, 18th and Vine
This one-woman show was conceived and written by award winning actress and AIDS activist Sheryl Lee Ralph. Inspired by real life stories of woman infected/affected by the disease, it examines the female struggle coping with HIV/AIDS.
Ticket price is $25 per person. VIP tickets are $75 per person and include a post-show reception, refreshments and an opportunity to meet and greet Ralph.
Monday March 5, "A Day of Pampering"
Location: Swope Community Builders (The Mazuma Building), 4001 Blue Parkway
A day of pampering for people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. Relaxation, rejuvenation, and education are the themes of the day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided as well as manicures, facials, and massages. By invitation only.
Tuesday March 6, Men's Night Out
Location: The Agape Cafe
This is to be an affirming evening filled with the spoken word, light jazz, a gospel presentation and free food. By invitation only.
Wednesday March 7, Prayer Vigil
Location: St. Mark Church, 1101 Euclid (11th and Euclid), 7pm
This will be an evening of song, prayer, testimony and rejoicing. Local choirs, musical groups and clergy will gather, offering inspiration. Everyone is invited to join the celebration.
Saturday March 10, Parade of Healing
Location: Starts at the Mamie Lee Isler Child and Development Center, 2008 E. 12th Street.
This is a New Orleans-style mock funeral procession dramatized to raise awareness of the devastation that AIDS has had on the Black community and to celebrate the lives of loved ones lost. Everyone is invited to participate, including churches, schools, and businesses. The staging area is 12th and Euclid, and the parade begins at 9am. You don't want to miss this.
Saturday March 10, Clergy Fighting AIDS Basketball Game
Location: Gregg-Klice Community Center, 1600 Buck O'Neal Way
Missouri and Kansas ministers will square off for a great game of basketball. The game begins at 11am. A traveling prize will follow the church with the most fans present.
BCWP events are held during the first week in March. Begun in Harlem in 1991, the organization has expanded to include numerous major cities across the nation. Kansas City held its first initiative in 1996.
Although BCWP is primarily an African-American affair, everyone is welcome. Come out and help the community raise awareness of this pandemic. There will be a lot of great music as the community lifts its voice in this fight against AIDS.
Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College