By Loretta Fulton The observance of Black History Month will have special meaning for Terrence Penns this year. Each February is set aside to emphasize the contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s history. Abilene is home to Curtis House Cultural Center, 630 Washington St., which houses local Black history. It was founded and overseen for many years by Andrew
Read morePastors of two predominantly Black congregations in Abilene commented on the impact that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made on their lives and ministry. Click here to read a Pew Research Center survey about the positive way the majority of Americans view Dr. King’s legacy. Rev. Deori Newman, pastor of New Light Baptist Church:Dr. Martin Luther King Junior was an
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The ministry of Rev. Andrew Penns will be celebrated Sunday, Jan. 21, at the church he pastors, Valley View Missionary Baptist Church, 3564 Clinton St. The celebration of Penns’ 36th year as pastor of Valley View will begin at 3 p.m., with Rev. Virgil Nesbit Jr. of Antioch Baptist Church in Wichita Falls as guest speaker. Theme is “A True
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By LORETTA FULTON The last time two historic Black Baptist associations gathered in Abilene it was a year before COVID disrupted the world. The 2019 meeting wasn’t planned to be the last for a while, but that was before COVID hit in 2020. So, the upcoming sessions will be a joyful reunion for the people gathering to worship, learn, hear
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A LEGACY UNEARTHED What: “A Legacy Unearthed, a Documentary About Black History in Abilene”When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23Where: Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.Admission: Donations requestedDetails: The film is presented in association with the ACU Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action and the Curtis House Cultural Center By LORETTA FULTON As a pastor, Andrew Penns knows the power
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CURTIS HOUSE CULTURAL CENTERThe center houses photos, newspaper and magazine articles, and other documents and memorabilia depicting the contributions of Black residents to Abilene’s history. Contact Andrew Penns to schedule a group tour during Black History Month630 Washington St.Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Admission is by donation325-518-4604 By LORETTA FULTON Andrew Penns is used to hearing the words, “I didn’t know that,” but
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By LORETTA FULTON For the first time, the women’s auxiliary of the Texas State Missionary Baptist Convention will meet in Abilene on Jan. 15. Host church will be Valley View Missionary Baptist Church, 3564 Clinton St. The Rev. Andrew Penns is pastor of the church. The meeting is a workshop for deaconesses and for wives or widows of deacons in
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Editor’s Note: Rosten Callarman is the new executive director of ICAN (Interested Citizens of Abilene North). He replaces the Rev. Andrew Penns, director of Curtis House Cultural Center and pastor of Valley View Missionary Baptist Church. Callarman previously was housing navigator for Abilene Hope Haven By ROSTEN CALLARMAN Founded in 1994, Interested Citizens of Abilene North serves as the neighborhood
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By LORETTA FULTON The Rev. Andrew Penns, pastor at Valley View Missionary Baptist Church, grew up in Abilene and was in the last graduating class at Woodson High School. After graduating from Woodson, Penns served in the Army, including time in Vietnam. When he returned to Abilene, he didn’t like the racial environment he saw. So he moved to Austin
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Spirit Of Abilene 