The Progress of Our People: A Story of Black Representation at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair

The Progress of Our People: A Story of Black Representation at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair — page 9
The moment she walked into Olivet Baptist Church with her family Lorraine’s mood improved Sure sometimes sometimes the sermons were boring and in summer it was way too hot to sit still But Sunday church services included Lorraine’s favorite thing singing in the choir After giving Papa a kiss on the cheek and tousling her little brother’s hair she bounded down the stairs to the church’s basement Most of the fifteen choristers were already in their robes Grant Morris their director was peering closely at a hymnal balanced on top of a rickety old piano and playing a few chords Hey there you are Lorraine said Frances Rollins an older girl who lived a couple of blocks from her and was usually friendly We thought you weren’t coming Sorry We just got a late start Lorraine said hiding her embarrassment by pulling her purple robe over her head But I’m ready Still want to do the solo in Listen to the Lambs Mr Morris asked from the piano If not then I can do it the ample hipped Mrs Jacobs offered quickly She was always after everybody’s solos but 12