39th Annual Archdiocesan African American Heritage Prayer Service

Students from St. Angela School carried a banner in the procession as nearly 1,000 students from archdiocesan Catholic schools gathered on Feb. 26 at Holy Name Cathedral to celebrate Black History Month. The gathering marked the 39th Annual Archdiocesan African American Heritage Prayer Service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Christopher Smith from St. Sabina Academy sang in the choir during the service.(Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Markel Anderson, an alumnus of Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, and Jessica Booker from Holy Trinity High School gave the opening prayer. Both were presented with the Junior African-American Heritage Awards during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Liturgical dancers from Christ the King College Prep performed a dance. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Michael Trail congratulated Father George Clements for his many years of service. Father Clements was the presider for the service and Father Trail gave the homily. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students from Christ the King College Prep joined hands to pray during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Nathan Dancy from De La Salle Institute gave a student witness during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students from a variety of schools across the archdiocese joined hands in solidarity during the 39th annual archdiocesan African-American Heritage Prayer Service held at Holy Name Cathedral on Feb. 26. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)