05/31/2026
Happy Birthday Mr. James Jack Hadley! 🎂🎉
Yesterday, family, friends, and community members gathered at Providence Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Mr. James "Jack" Hadley, founder of the Jack Hadley Black History Museum.
Rather than a traditional birthday program, the Hadley family presented a moving Musical Tribute featuring a collection of Traditional Negro Spirituals and special selections that reflected Mr. Hadley's faith, heritage, and life's journey.
Songs such as Go Down, Moses, Wade in the Water, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Soon Ah Will Be Done, I'll Fly Away, and Somebody's Knocking at Your Door filled the sanctuary with messages of hope, perseverance, freedom, and faith values that have guided Mr. Hadley throughout his remarkable life.
The program included scripture, poetry, musical selections, community tributes, special honors, and heartfelt performances by family members, church choirs, musicians, and friends who came together to celebrate a man whose life's work has been dedicated to preserving African American history and educating future generations.
As the songs echoed through the church, they served as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and faith of those who came before us. The song selections represented the rich history that Mr. Hadley has spent a lifetime preserving.
One of the most powerful aspects of the celebration was that the music told Mr. Hadley's story. Through the Negro Spirituals, guests experienced a journey through African American history, faith, struggle, perseverance, and triumph. This is the very history he has devoted his life to preserving.