‘Black Voices’ initiative features poetry, music event

ASHFIELD — The First Congregational Church will present poet Kétu Oladuwa and singer/songwriter Bert Marshall on Saturday, April 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. as part of its “Black Voices: Listening to Our Brothers and Sisters” initiative. The Harmony Grove trio from Framingham will accompany the poetry reading.

“Kétu Oladuwa’s story is a tribute to perseverance and courage in the face of profound injustice and faith,” Minister David Jones said in a statement. After being convicted in 1965 of a murder he didn’t commit, Oladuwa was placed on Massachusetts’ Death Row before being released in 1971. “As the two churches in Ashfield focus on incarceration and justice this April, we welcome Kétu’s contribution to our ongoing discussion about these issues.”

Since his release, Oladuwa has worked as a journalist, educator, community arts activist and poet. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he publishes his work through RootFolkz Poetz Press, mentors young poets, teaches African drumming, counsels young activists in community engagement and serves as secretary of Fort Wayne’s People of African Decent Elders Council. With his daughter RasAmen, he co-founded Death Row Shadows to spotlight mass incarceration.

Marshall is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ, a graduate of Yale Divinity School, a musician, recording artist and storyteller. He is a Nebraska native and a member of the state’s Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame.

“I have driven 18-wheelers, worked with troubled youth in New York City, been the New England director for Church World Service, and served several churches as pastor and teacher,” Marshall said in a statement. “Since 2003 I have performed the entire Gospel of Mark from memory all over the country. I am currently pastor of the Plainfield Congregational Church when I am not making music, jamming with poets like Kétu and playing with my grandchildren. I am deeply honored to be sharing the stage with this inspiring poet and humanitarian.”

The Harmony Grove trio is accompanying Oladuwa on poetry readings. Doug Rich plays bass, Willie Sordillo plays alto sax and Zoe Krohne adds vocals.

Sacred Stroll planned for Sunday

ASHFIELD — Ashfield Churches Together (consisting of the First Congregational Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church) will host a Sacred Stroll on Sunday, April 21, at 1 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day.

The hike, to be held rain or shine, will be on the Ridge Trail section of the Ashfield trail system starting at Bailey Road. Parking is available there.

“Our two Ashfield churches are working together to encourage care for our planet,” the Rev. Vicki Ix, vicar at St. John’s Episcopal Church, said in a statement. “Over the years, we have held liturgies on the town common, tolled our church bells monthly as part of the national 11th Hour Initiative and worked to make our church buildings more energy efficient. Ashfield has so many wonderful trails, and we look forward to walking together again to mark our commitment to climate awareness on this trail used by Indigenous peoples.”

“Here in Ashfield, we have a very aware community,” the Rev. David Jones, minister at the First Congregational Church, said in a statement. “Members and friends of both churches want to understand and appreciate the history of Native Americans, conserve our resources, and heal the damage that we have already done to the Earth and all its inhabitants. The Sacred Stroll event brings us together to pay tribute to the Earth and give thanks for all the blessings we enjoy.”

The Sacred Stroll will include time for prayers, poetry and reflections.