Ministers dedicate Sunday service to 'The Godfather of Soul'

The Rev. Terry McCray-Hill raised her arms high in praise during Sunday morning's service at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sparks to celebrate the life of "The Godfather of Soul", James Brown. Northern Nevada residents both black and white gathered hand in hand to remember the powerful messages that the legend who died early Christmas morning at the age 73 delivered in so many of his famous songs. James Brown left a mighty impact on the history of funk music and American history.

Brown is famous for his incredible showmanship and super bad dance moves but the messages that he created during the turbulent times of the 1960s proved a light of hope. Reverends Emma Love, George Mayes and Terry McCray-Hill dedicated their service to the man, his music and his message. Rev. Mayes celebrated one of Brown's most notable songs, "Say It Loud-I'm Black and I'm Proud", the anthem of the Black Power movement of the 1960s.
Mayes explained the importance of that slogan and the message Brown gave for African Americans to be proud of who they are and of the skin and body that God gave them, a powerful significance in which the congregation responded with applause. Rev. McCray-Hill then praised another of Brown's important songs, "I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door, I'll Get It Myself)".
McCray-Hill said that at the time of its release in 1969, the song created an enormous impact on the black community.
The song's message reflects on African Americans rejecting sorrow and pity from the rest of the nation and their strong fight for equality and opportunity. That particular song influenced the churches in the black

"If all of us had just one thing it was enough to be shared with everybody", Rev. McCray-Hill said.
Although Brown was one the most influential performers of all time, Rev. McCray-Hill reminded to remember him for more than just his fancy suits and the glitz and glimmer of show business, but for his contribution as a spiritual and political figure in the black community and African American history.