Black History Month
Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church was first built in 1907 and was initially used by black settlers in the 1910's. Throughout the years it has fostered social equality through its active role in the community and direct link with the NAACP.
Members believe in full involvement in society as a means to gain a sense of dignity and self-respect.
In 1939 the church float won an award during the Diamond Jubilee in Carson City, celebrating 75 years of Nevada's statehood.
During the 1940's Reverend Emmer Henry Booker wrote to Governor E.P. Carville to promote racial equality and to request a new location for the church. They wanted to purchase property near the University, which was a predominantly white neighborhood, and so they were met with much protest. The church then decided to simply expand on their existing building.
During the 1950's the church members (also NAACP members) organized picketing against local businesses who were discriminatory, such as Woolworth's and Harold's Club - Bertha Woodard was invited by the Governor to be present when he signed Nevada's Civil Rights Law in 1961.
Today, the church is one of the most significant buildings in the State of Nevada associated with black history.
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