House of Prayer in Oak Harbor Hosts Black History Month Community Program

A Black History Month celebration at the House of Prayer filled the sanctuary at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at 620 W. Erin Park Road in Oak Harbor, featuring live music, praise dancing and skits aimed at raising awareness of local Black history and contributions to the area. Organizers said they had no capacity limit and "aim to fill every seat at the House of Prayer."

Pastor Fannie Dean of Mission Ministry Faith Center spoke at the program and framed the gathering as inclusive. Dean said the event is "open to everyone, regardless of race," and noted that Black History Month "serves as a reminder not to forget those who paved the way for Black Americans today." Dean recalled experiencing prejudice when she moved to Oak Harbor in the early 1970s and warned, "We might be in the city of Oak Harbor, but we can't let Oak Harbor forget." She also lightened the program atmosphere with a remark about food: "You know Black people like to eat. You know they like to eat, uh huh," she teased.

Program elements were presented with both performance and reflection. Ground News summarized organizers' description that "the event features live music, praise dancing, skits, and tributes to civil rights icons including Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Jesse Jackson, organizers said." Whidbey News‑Times noted live bongo, drum and keyboard music during the service and identified performer Wismine Davilar; in the paper's caption, "Wismine Davilar is a praise dancer and a singer, who performs as a form of spiritual worship." The celebration included a specific recognition of Jesse Jackson, with Whidbey News‑Times reporting Jackson, "who passed away on Feb. 17, will be recognized during the celebration for his valiant actions."

Light refreshments were available at the House of Prayer service, and local social media included an Oak Harbor post advertising a "Soul Food Extravaganza" after a service in Oak Harbor, WA 98277; the Instagram post did not explicitly tie that meal to the House of Prayer event. Organizers at the House of Prayer nevertheless emphasized food and fellowship as part of the afternoon.

The service took place against a backdrop of municipal recognition: Oak Harbor City Council introduced a proclamation recognizing Black History Month and noted that 2026 marks the centennial of the start of what is today celebrated as Black History Month. Mayor Pro Tem Tara Hizon presided at the meeting attended by councilmembers Bryan Stucky, Eric Marshall, Christopher Wiegenstein, Barbara Armes, James P. Marrow and Sandi Peterson, reinforcing the monthlong civic observance that local churches and community groups continued with services such as the House of Prayer program.