The Pacific Union College student body, faculty and staff celebrated African-American heritage on Thursday, February 3, as part of a year-round effort to recognize the diverse ethnic and cultural makeup that characterizes the campus.

Colloquy began with a congregational singing of James Weldon Johnson’s “Black National Anthem” and performances of spirituals “Going Up Yonder” and “For Every Mountain.”

Emil Peeler, Ph.D., a Seventh-day Adventist evangelist and senior pastor of the Sixteenth Street Church in San Bernardino, Calif., then gave an inspirational address entitled “Don’t Forget the Dungeon,” in which he urged “I believe this is a generation that is called for greatness; I believe God is preparing this generation to be servant-leaders.” Peeler continued to relate the Biblical story of Abimelech and the prophet Jeremiah, suggesting that students choose to do what is right, even when power and position are at stake.

As part of heritage week, the PUC cafeteria menu featured vegetarian versions of classic soul food dishes throughout the day.

Other campus-wide heritage celebrations throughout the year have included and will include Hispanic-American, European-American and Asian-American.