Drs Samina & Zaheer Hasan and Joseph & Joyce Moran will receive the St. Katharine Drexel Award at the 36th Annual Black History Month Concert at St. Martin de Porres Church, 1119 W. Bancroft Street. This award, given to outstanding individuals in our community who work for the betterment of all people, will be presented during the “Evening with the Toledo Symphony: God’s Mosaic Masterpiece to be held on Feb. 22, 2026 beginning at 5:00 pm in the church. Maestro Antoine Clark will direct the Toledo Symphony Orchestra in an exciting program of music that honors and celebrates Black History month. Compositions composed by Black Musicians, such as William Grant Still will be performed. In addition, The Clarence Smith Community Chorus will join the orchestra in a performance of Total Praise by Richard Smallwood.
The Clarence Smith Community Chorus specializes in the performance of Negro spirituals and is dedicated to its preservation as well as the performance of works by African American composers. Clarence Smith was the 2013 Recipient of the St. Katharine Drexel Award. Their performance of Total Praise at this year’s concert will be a highlight of the evening.
The theme for the 36th annual “Evening with the Toledo Symphony” is “God’s Mosaic Masterpiece” highlighting the richness of the diversity of the people, music and cultures who compose the people of the United States. This concert also speaks to the integrity of music as a common language and that we are all part of the mosaic of God’s creation.
The St. Katherine Drexel Award is given to an outstanding individual or individuals who express the spirit of St. Katharine Drexel’s mission by their dedication and commitment to celebrating the diversity of people who make a beautiful masterpiece of God’s gifts.
St. Katharine Drexel founded over 62 schools and educational institutions, including Xavier University, New Orleans. She was passionate in her concern for Black and Indian children. Both couples who receiving the award generously give of their time and talents to help Toledo celebrate the gift of diversity.
St. Martin de Porres Parish is an ethnically diverse community which is known for its significant social outreach. The parish sponsors The Claver House Soup Kitchen, a Food Pantry, St. Vincent de Paul Society and The St. Martin de Porres Community Center which houses over a dozen organizations, including health care, education, arts, sports, recovery services, and community organizing. Dr. Richard Paat runs a Clinic the first and third Tuesday mornings at St. Martin de Porres.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased by calling the parish, 419-241-4544. Adult tickets are $35.00; reserved seats are $45.00, students’ tickets –grade school, and high school, $15.00. Adult tickets at the door, if available, are $45. 00.