Johnson honored at Hatitude

Black History Month in Elgin began with a salute to a local resident

Sister Gwendolyn Johnson, Mount Moriah Baptist Church’s first lady, was this year’s honoree at the annual Hatitude event Feb. 4. The event was held at FireWild in Elgin

Honoring African American traditions, Hatitude refers to the tradition of African American women wearing hats to church. The phrase was created by author Deidre Guion in her book, “Grandma’s Hands.” Elgin’s event featured “Danish delights and hats galore,” according to a press release. 

Hatitude 2023 was sponsored by Elgin’s municipal government, Community Development and FireWild with the support of the Elgin Sub-District Ministers’ Wives; Mount Moriah Baptist Church’s Sister Angela Ward, president, and the Rev. Steven Ward, pastor; Sister Carolyn Carter, program chairperson; and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church’s the Rev. R.W. Carter.