The Nettie McKnight and Emmanuel Martin Society, was founded on Advent Sunday, December 3, 1989 at Our Lady of the Presentation. It is named in memory of the late Nettie McKnight and Deacon Emmanuel K. Martin. This parish society is the liaison to the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns (VBCC, formerly the Office of Black Ministry), Diocese of Brooklyn. The society celebrates the heritage, culture, and spiritual gifts of the African-American, African, and Pan-African communities with the annual parish celebration of Martin Luther King Day; Black History Movie Night (Saturdays in February); and the Black History Month Mass. Our parishioners have attended Diocesan Celebrations sponsored by VBCC, and cultural events in the city. The McKnight-Martin Society established the VBCC's Kujenga Retreat in Presentation, for our young parishioners ages 14-18, in 1991. We also introduced a Mass of Parish Graduates, which celebrates the academic achievements of parishioners from "kindergarten to college" in 2002 . We also assist with VBCC Youth Ambassadorsprogram. Our parishioners have represented our diocese by attending the National Black Catholic Congress.
We promote respect and love for all cultures in our parish community. Above all, we will continue to promote this positivity in our own community. When you learn to love yourself, you will learn to appreciate and value others.
