The Heart of Black History Celebration at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church: The Legacy of Departed Sister Nancy Scurlock Mack

By Huysein Johnson and Taleesa Mack Johnson

Black History Month, celebrated each February, serves as a powerful reminder to honor and reflect on the rich contributions, achievements, and struggles of African Americans throughout history. It is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and excellence that have shaped not only our nation but the world. The legacy of Black excellence echoes through every corner of our communities, and one place where this legacy has been celebrated with unparalleled passion and dedication is Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

In February of 1992, under Pastor Thessalonia Graham, 14th Pastor of Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, departed Sister Nancy Scurlock Mack (featured in this photo) had a vision—a vision to not only celebrate Black History but to deeply embed its significance in the hearts and minds of everyone who walked through the doors of Piney Grove. It was her desire to illuminate the value of Black excellence to the world and create an atmosphere that honored the brilliance and achievements of Black leaders, inventors, and public figures. And so, with fervor and a steadfast commitment, she began the church’s Black History Celebration.

For over three decades, Sister Mack and her tireless committee have organized a month-long celebration of Black History, marked by weekly themes and activities that not only educate but uplift and inspire. Each week of February brought something new: designated attire representing the different themes of the week, special guest speakers—Judges, Deans, Ministers, professionals, and public figures—who offered powerful talks on the contributions of Black people in various fields, from law to education to the arts. These speakers were handpicked by Sister Mack for their ability to enlighten and inspire the congregation. They shared their stories, wisdom, and insights, creating a space where Black excellence was front and center.

The pinnacle of the month’s festivities came on the last Sunday of February, when the church would gather together for an old-fashioned soul food feast. Cooked with love by Sister Mack and her church family, the meal served as both a celebration of the past and a manifestation of the future. It was a time for fellowship, for honoring tradition, and for nurturing the ties that bind the Piney Grove family together.

But for Sister Mack, the celebration was not just about honoring the giants of the past—it was about ensuring that the youth of the church understood their own place in the tapestry of Black history. She was passionate about empowering the children of the church to learn about Black leaders, inventors, and pioneers who had shaped society. Every Sunday during the children’s talk time, Sister Mack would highlight a different leader or inventor, ensuring the youth understood the immense contributions African Americans have made to the world. Whether it was George Washington Carver’s agricultural breakthroughs or the indomitable spirit of Rosa Parks, the children were educated, inspired, and encouraged to see themselves as capable of achieving greatness.

Sister Mack’s commitment to passing the torch to the next generation was reflected in the way she structured the planning of the event. Each year, she made sure to include different church members in the celebration planning committee, building leadership capacity, and fostering a sense of responsibility in the younger generation. She understood the importance of ensuring that the work of the church did not stop with her but was carried on for years to come by the hands of those who followed her. She was always incredibly grateful for the devoted and gracious members of the committee who worked tirelessly to make the celebration a success, knowing that their dedication and hard work were key to its continuity.

And at the end of each Black History Sunday, Sister Mack would rise to offer remarks—words that were both a reflection of the day’s events and a call to action. She spoke with passion, humility, and unwavering faith in the power of Black history to inspire not just the church, but the world. She would remind everyone that the work of celebrating Black excellence was never complete, that it was an ongoing journey that required commitment, dedication, and love.

Sister Nancy Mack's legacy is a testament to the power of one woman’s vision and how it can transform a community. Through her vision, she ignited a flame that continues to burn brightly, inspiring generations to come. Her heart for Black excellence, her love for her church, and her passion for teaching the next generation will always be remembered.

“I am because we are, and we are because I am.”

This powerful African proverb speaks to the essence of Black unity, strength, and excellence. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the words of Sister Nancy Mack: that Black history is not just a month but a constant, living celebration of who we are and all that we can achieve. May her legacy continue to inspire, uplift, and educate all who encounter it.

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Special Celebration of Black History at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 am service, with Sunday dinner to follow
1929 Piney Grove Church Rd., Hillsborough, NC 27278

Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Hillsborough, North Carolina, along with Pastor Tony Boss, warmly invites the public to join us for a special celebration of Black History Month on Sunday, February 23. This event will serve as a powerful recognition of the remarkable work of departed Sister Nancy Scurlock Mack over the years. Her legacy of celebrating Black excellence, educating our youth, and bringing the church together in honor of our history will be honored in a heartfelt ceremony.

The guest preacher for this special occasion will be Pastor Douglas Riley of Shepherdsville Baptist Church, Gloucester, Virginia, who is also Sister Mack’s nephew. His powerful message will remind us of the enduring impact of Black history and the importance of passing on the torch of knowledge and pride to future generations. We invite you to be a part of this uplifting occasion as we celebrate Sister Mack's extraordinary contributions to Piney Grove and the broader community. Let us come together in love, fellowship, and remembrance as we continue to celebrate Black excellence.