Clarene and Thomas Mitchell, ministry leaders at Brentwood Church of Christ, explain the tradition of “jumping the broom.” The custom originated with slaves who were denied the right to marry, but implemented their own rituals to represent love. (Photo by Molly Rippinger)
  • Clarene and Thomas Mitchell, ministry leaders at Brentwood Church of Christ, explain the tradition of “jumping the broom.” The custom originated with slaves who were denied the right to marry, but implemented their own rituals to represent love. (Photo by Molly Rippinger)

Dozens of couples and marriage activists gathered for the fifth annual Black Marriage Day held at Brentwood Church of Christ on 6425 N. 60th St. The celebration emphasized the importance of marriage throughout the Black community and was also an opportunity to acknowledge couples both young and old. More than 30 cities celebrate Black Marriage Day, which was originally organized by various faith-based and community groups in 2003. Read our past coverage of the event.

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