Each February, Black History Month offers a dedicated opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the remarkable achievements and enduring resilience of African Americans in the United States.
This observance fosters pride, deepens understanding, and honors the contributions that have shaped society and improved lives.
The McKinney First Baptist Church celebrates this by offering a magnificent gift to the community with the African American Inventors Exhibit.
The McKinney First Baptist Church (TMFBC) African American Inventors Exhibit invites you to immerse yourself in a museum-quality journey through pivotal moments and inspiring stories.
From the Divine 9 display and the legacy of the Obamas, to groundbreaking inventions and powerful narratives of the pursuit of freedom, each element evokes gratitude and admiration.
Tell us a little about TMFBC and why this exhibit is so important.
“TMFBC is a church that desires to be God’s hands, mouth, and feet to all in our sphere of influence.
And being led by the Holy Spirit, we are a church committed to: prayer, Christian education, discipleship, fellowship, evangelism, dynamic worship, and ministry.
We are a church that aims to point people to Jesus, and our church is a place where all are welcome, loved, and united in Christ.
The African American Inventors Exhibit is very important to TMFBC because we believe history must be taught, appreciated, shared, and learned; it must not be hidden and removed.
Our month-long African American Inventors Exhibit provides an opportunity for our church and the community to come together and celebrate African American excellence and achievement.
Slavery is a part of the Black history experience, but slavery is American History. How the Black slaves endured and survived slavery is “Black History.”
Hence, the TMFBC African American Inventors Exhibit recognizes the contributions, struggles, and achievements of African Americans, shaping a more accurate, inclusive understanding of history and society.
The inventions recognize the contributions and exemplify the profound impact African Americans have had on American and global history, demonstrating our creativity, innovation, leadership, and resilience.” – Pastor Louis Rosenthal of TMFBC
How long has the church been doing this exhibit?
The exhibit has been presented and steadily grown over the past four years.
However, TMFBC, which has faithfully served the community for 145 years, has always celebrated and honored Black excellence and achievement. This exhibit is simply a continuation of that enduring legacy.
What has gone into making this exhibit?
This exhibit is the result of extensive research, discovery, thoughtful planning, creativity, and collaboration among dedicated church, family, and community members.
We carefully gather and verify historical information, highlight influential figures, and diligently search for patent documentation to validate inventions and innovations.
Our team works hard to create engaging and educational displays that reflect both historical accuracy and inspiration.
This year, we expanded the experience by designing and developing an immersive presentation titled “Night Escape on the Underground Railroad,” bringing history to life in a powerful and meaningful way.
How can people get involved?
There are several meaningful ways to get involved.
The Usher Ministry, most notably Alethia and Thomas Carman, “birthed” this exhibit.
Along with a committed nucleus team that has poured in tremendous time, energy, and sweat equity, they serve as the backbone and foundation of this powerful presentation.
Beyond this core team, individuals can volunteer their time, contribute research or historical materials, assist with setup and promotion, or support the exhibit through donations.
Those who feel inspired to go even further are warmly invited to become members of TMFBC, joining us in continuing this powerful legacy of faith, service, and celebrating Black excellence.
SEVENFG Magazine would like to thank Pastor Louis Rosenthal and Erica Morrison, Chair-Marketing Committee for taking the time to speak and engage with us at the exhibit.
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