As we celebrate the life and legacy of the late Aretha Franklin, we find now is a time to be our blackest selves. An anointed child of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, it makes sense the iconic artist was given fully Baptist homegoing.

Held at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, the Friday event was attended by star-studded guests and presenters such as Smokey Robinson, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Shirley Caesar, Gladys Knight and others, according to Vulture.

First thing's first, let's just preface this by confirming the blackest and churchiest moment of the whole ceremony is that it did not end on time despite its well-planned schedule:

The final version of the Aretha Franklin Homegoing Celebration Program. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LeLzAR0Ycn

— Mia Ari Bell™ (@MIAARIBELL) August 31, 2018

But, did anyone really think the program would be honored point-for-point? Again, this is a black Baptist church, folks. Get comfy.

If you thought Aretha’s homegoing service was ending on time you’ve never been to a black church

— Sylvia Obell (@SylviaObell) August 31, 2018

Other black church moments of note include:

1. That Praise Break

A tradition in the black church…The crowd has a multi-minute "praise break" as it celebrates the life of Aretha Franklin. Atlanta's Bishop Paul Morton is into it! #ArethaHomegoing
#ArethaFranklin
#QueenofSoul
pic.twitter.com/oVRbJ1K8ol

— Marissa Mitchell (@MarissaMFOX5) August 31, 2018

Raise your hand if you have to stand up and shout, too! They were on that good foot!

The praise stomp for #ArethaHomegoing. Bless the black church forever. pic.twitter.com/sNPYM0zI8E

— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) August 31, 2018

GIPHY

2.
Reverend Al Sharpton and Michael Eric Dyson's Speeches

Ladies and Gentlemen! This is the black church! “I’ll see you at the exchange counter Aretha!!!” ???????? pic.twitter.com/oKRpDHFlqg

— Billy Michael Honor (@BillyMHonor) August 31, 2018

"She said, 'Well right after you get through the Golden Gates, there's an exchange counter. That's where you hand in your cross and pick up your crown,'" the reverend said of the queen.

YAS, lay down those burdens, chile!

Also, Sharpton acknowledged flubbing R-E-S-P-E-C-T on television, and flipped it around to throw shade at Trump:

Al Sharpton calls out Donald Trump at Aretha Franklin funeral https://t.co/GDqfaIFRZr
pic.twitter.com/G0PpbEf7IG

— USA TODAY Life (@usatodaylife) August 31, 2018

“I want y’all to help me correct President Trump, to teach him what [respect] means,” he said.

Oh, and in reference to the way the president "paid respects" to Franklin by noting she "worked for him?" Sharpton also had set that record straight, telling the president: "She performed for you. She worked for US. Aretha never took orders from nobody but God."

BUT. GOD.

GIPHY

Similar to Reverend Sharpton, Michael Eric Dyson wasn't here for Trump's "worked for me" comment, and had to make it clear how far the president had he stepped out of line by referring to commander-in-chief as an "orange apparition."

Michael Eric Dyson called Trump a "lugubrious leach."

GOODNIGHT. #ArethaHomegoing pic.twitter.com/nNWEAFgPtw

— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) August 31, 2018

GIPHY

Plus, Dyson gave Detroit its proper tribute by shouting out local treats you can only find in the D. So black.

3. The Clark Sisters

When I say The Clark sisters did that, they DID THAT. #ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/TdoSN6ZyIh

— Trevor???? (@RadioLamb) August 31, 2018

The look on Bill Clinton's face said it all. Yes, what they did was THAT.

The legendary Clark Sisters perform at Aretha Franklin's funeral "is my preaching in vain": https://t.co/iNKZLXpOyS
pic.twitter.com/BSGYN2D5yF

— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 31, 2018

GIPHY

4. Shirley Caesar

From the moment Lady Caesar did that Holy Ghost shake, we knew it was ON.

Shirley Caesar bout to tear it up#ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/2XGAiFmRhw

— Lattesworldxoxo (@LaTanae) August 31, 2018

She had mamas getting up out their seat, naturally.

Pastor Shirley Caesar got up and so did my mom lol took her STRAIGHT to church #ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/0wuT2Rmf6X

— Jewel (@jewelchristi_) August 31, 2018

Black Church 'gon send you home!
Thank you!
Thank you Lord!#ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/q2SurR6wp9

— Joyce Smith #FBR (@jjconceptsinc) August 31, 2018

5.
Pastor Reprimanded Congresswoman Debbie Dingell For Her (Lack Of) Rhythm

Let's talk about the moment the pastor called out Senator Debbie Dingell for her mediocre praise during one of the worship songs, noting she was clapping on the one and three, urging sis to get on that two and four.

Pastor said the congresswoman was on the 1 and 3… #ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/Wu5T6Q9n29

— Veronica Jamison ✨???? (@veronicamarche) August 31, 2018

6. Everyone Side-Eyeing Ariana Grande's Dress

When she strutted onto the stage to belt out "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" in honor of the Queen of Soul, we couldn't help but notice the length of her dress. It was way above her knee the auntie in all of us jumped OUT. No "beautiful gowns" moment for you, young sis.

“When I saw Ariane Grande on the program, I thought it was something new on Taco Bell," noted Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.

Y’all! The pastor just said he thought @ArianaGrande was an entree at Taco Bell!!! Yo can tell she felt awkward, but she handled it gracefully! #ArethaHomegoing
#ArethaFranklinFuneral
pic.twitter.com/nagTjpUyXi

— Natia Seegars (@NatiaSeegars) August 31, 2018

GIPHY

7. Jesse Jackson's Reaction To Faith Hill

There's nothing more black and more churchy than elder shade. Allow us to present to you, the Reverend Jesse Jackson:

I’m sorry for the snapchat quality but this is SENDING ME #ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/h9WMc1ncyW

— PrEPpa Pig (@LordeFranzia) August 31, 2018

8. Cicely Tyson's Hat

As anyone who saw President Obama's inaugeration knows, no one can do a hat the way Aretha Franklin could do a hat. But that didn't stop Cicely Tyson from going peak church hat, bless her heart:

#CicelyTyson hat is giving me Pslams 17:8 He shall hide me in the shadow of his wings. #ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/wBPcEAvJfi

— The King Of Impact (@TheKingOfImpact) August 31, 2018

9. Chaka Khan And Her Fan

As soon as Chaka Khan got up to sing, the whole church knew she'd channel that diva energy to bring the house down. What no one was ready for, however, was Khan's transcendent use of a staple black church accessory as a fashionable and functional music stand. We stan:

On second thought, Chaka Khan taping her lyrics to the back of her fan is, in fact, the eternal mood #ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/lvGPyZIcJf

— Chris Murphy (@christress) August 31, 2018

10. Maxine Waters

Pastor decided to shout out Representative Maxine Waters for her grace under the pressure of being "attacked like never before," referencing the death threats and presidential bullying she has received.

Pastor recognizes Maxine Waters, who has been “attacked like never before.” Leads entire room in telling her, “We got your back.” #ArethaFranklinHomegoing

— Ben Sisario (@sisario) August 31, 2018

To acknowledge the peak black love and support, Representative Waters responded with one of the most popular signs of today.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) gives "Wakanda Forever salute" during funeral services for Aretha Franklin. pic.twitter.com/skVibpLJQM

— Josh Caplan (@joshdcaplan) August 31, 2018

Adding in a little Wakanda in her worship! Wakanda Forever, even in the afterlife.

11. Fantasia

Prior to Fantasia taking the stage, a short clip of her rehearsal had us all more than ready to receive her vocal blessings.

This was Fantasia rehearsing for Aretha’s funeral. When I say she will be cutting up later? pic.twitter.com/g1sVu8bcfF

— Fantasia’s Forgotten Pumps (@LeVyanBelle) August 31, 2018

And then, the moment happened.

In peak Fantasia fashion, she took off her shoes, because, as she said, "I think [Aretha] won't mind." The she went OFF.

“I think she won’t mind, I’m gonna come out of my shoes.” – Fantasia for Aretha #ArethaHomegoing
pic.twitter.com/xp9WkhFFlI

— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) August 31, 2018

@tasiasword
#singing at Aretha Franklin’s Funeral ????????????????❤️#Fantasia
#ArethaFranklin
#queenofsoul
#RipArethaFranklin
#areathafranklin
#arethafranklinfuneral
#arethafranklintribute
#arethafranklinforever
#ArethaFranklinHomegoing
#GospelMusic
#Gospel
#Songs
#YougotafriendinJesus
pic.twitter.com/7JaUvvyYME

— Lyn (@lyndawatersnewk) August 31, 2018

GIPHY

12. Jennifer Hudson

There were a few unfortunate sound issues throughout the service, BUT JHud. No sound issue can silence her voice. The sheer black pain and passion behind her runs gave folks goosebumps.

Jennifer Hudson belting out Amazing Grace at Aretha's funeral is the greatest gift we could all ever hope to receive pic.twitter.com/IGtWpYTgGy

— Madison Mills (@MadisonMills22) August 31, 2018

13. Barack Obama's Letter

At Aretha Franklin's funeral, Reverend Al Sharpton read a tribute letter from Barack Obama, who said, "We'll be saying a little prayer for you."

Read more: https://t.co/oxJyUBEIhy
pic.twitter.com/fGQrO0JcB7

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 31, 2018

In the letter, the 44th president accurately described Aretha's voice as guiding the "downtrodden" by adding in a "little love."

"We'll be saying a little prayer for you," read the letter.

GIPHY

Rest in peace, Queen Aretha. Long live the black church. Amen.

Live coverage of #ArethaHomegoing is below:

Liking this content? Check these out:

Hundreds Of Delta Sigma Theta Members Gather In Detroit To Honor Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s Melodic Voice Once Moved Barack Obama To Tears

Aretha Franklin's 6-Hour Homegoing Service Is As Iconic As It Ought To Be

baptist church

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week