A New Rochelle church hosted a concert Saturday night that celebrated Black History Month.

Many flocked to Generations Church to experience the sights and sounds of "Music of the African Diaspora."

Attendees also learned the history of a people through the spoken word.

"Listening to it, I feel a bit sad. Knowing all that has happened, but you have to live with it. One of these days, we'll get over the sadness," said Paulette Francis, of White Plains.

The City of New Rochelle funds the program, which is in its second year, in celebration of African history and culture.

"The history of our people being oriented into this country in the slave experience, where our culture was suppressed, it's very important for us to reestablish and re-embrace our culture as a people," said Minister Mark McLean, of Kingdom Community Consultants.

The appreciative crowd gathered to enjoy the music, but for some, the performances were also a lesson that should not be forgotten.

"It just gives me goosebumps, just to hear it, because it's like I'm hearing the ancestors and I connect to it. This is what I know," said New Rochelle resident Julie Mentor.