“When you know your history, you know your greatness. “

This well-known African proverb was one of many wonderful messages given to students gathered Feb. 4 at Holy Name Cathedral in celebration of African American Heritage Month.

These wise words tie into the overall theme of this year's celebration, which is NIA, Swahili for purpose. Being the fifth of seven principles of Kwanza, NIA encourages African Americans to build up and develop their communities in order to restore the African-American people to their traditional greatness.

NIA was definitely present at the energetic mass, during which many Archdiocesan students contributed by singing in the choir, lectoring, performing lyrical and drill dances and writing winning essays. Several students also put on a skit as a way to offer prayers of general intercession to show how God is necessary to find NIA and to live a full and happy life.

Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry presided at the mass while the Rev. Norman A. Fischer gave the homily. Fischer, who works as a youth minister in his home state of Kentucky, encouraged the students to celebrate their African heritage 365 days a year not just during Black History Month. His dynamic talk challenged the students to recognize and share their God-given gifts and to be active participants in their faith lives.

After putting his message to the tune of several popular songs, Rev. Fischer rapped about the goodness of God and led the students in song. Fischer also honored esteemed Africans Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr., Sr. Thea Bowman, Medgar Evers, Booker T. Washington, as well as the black saints and others who made a positive impact on their communities and the world.

A traditional dancer carrying a basket of incense opened the mass and was followed by students with banners representing NIA and the names of their schools. Communion gifts, which included several African artifacts, were brought to the altar by area principals, who were also honored as NIA role models. One principal in particular, Bobbie Hicks, was the first Black teacher to be hired in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The celebratory mass came to a conclusion after some final words from Bishop Perry, which included spiritual and academic advice, as well as a light-hearted reminder to students to eat their vegetables. The student choir, accompanied by Timothy Walker and Ensemble and traditional drummer Herman Waterford, performed a spirited rendition of "He Reigns" to bring the Mass to a close.

Many other events commemorating the contributions of African Americans and celebrating African American culture will be taking place in schools throughout the month of February. Award-winning NIA essays will also be posted on the Office of Catholic Schools' Website.

Organizers of this event include Barbara Anderson, Marcia Berry, Sha Calhoun, Adrienne Curry, Ruth Douglas, Helen Dumas, Linda Taylor, Sr, Kathleen Smith SP and Joycelyn A. King.