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Tag: Black History Celebration

  • Blythewood Celebrates 3rd Annual Black History Event

    Dressed for the occasion, Sheila Butler, Maxine Goodwin, Alberta Lewis and Luvenia Gordon-Dukes arrived at the Blythewood Black History program ready to celebrate. | Barbara Ball

    BLYTHEWOOD – The Blythewood Community celebrated Black History Month with music, dance and refreshments on Saturday at The Manor.

    The afternoon of entertainment and remembrance included performances by members of the Blythewood Churches Community Choir, the Pine Grove Church Youth Choir and a dance team from Westwood High School.

    Jo Ann of Na J Fashions

    Jason Lloyd opened the program singing the National Anthem before Guest Speaker Dr. Joe Kelly was introduced. Viola Sanders entertained with an exhibit of inventions through the years by African-Americans.

    Church awards were presented to local church elders as well as the most senior church elder. Ms. Daisy Mae Belton, now in her 80’s, was honored as a member of the Community Choir since she was eight years old.

    A highlight of the program was the recitation of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by Ky-Brian Alexander of Blair in Fairfield County. It was followed by the Black National Anthem led by Alexander and Lloyd.

    Following the program, refreshments were served, and attendees were invited to sign their names to quilt pieces to be turned into a remembrance quilt.

  • Blythewood readies to celebrate black history

    BLYTHEWOOD – The Town’s annual Black History celebration is almost ready for its close-up on Feb. 23 at Doko Manor.

    The program includes guest speaker Dr. Joe Kelly, performances by singer-songwriter EboniRamm, dance, choral and dramatic performances and a special display of African-American accomplishments.

    Bobby Cunningham will emcee the event.

    This year’s celebration will also feature several displays by vendors in the foyer.

    In addition, the contributions of local churches to the Blythewood community will be recognized, and several presentations will be made to long-serving, senior members.

    How it all started

    In 1915, while attending a national celebration marking the 50th anniversary of emancipation, Carter G. Woodson realized that African American history and heritage were being lost. He began what became his life’s work – promoting the teaching of black history in the nation’s schools and communities. The first Black History Week took place in 1924, and President Gerald Ford declared the nation’s first Black History Month in 1975. It has been celebrated during February ever since.

    The event is free and refreshments will be provided at the close of the ceremony. Organizers include Margaret Kelly, Lyn King, Doris Coleman, EboniRamm, Vii Sanders, Larry Griffin and Malcolm Gordge.

    The event will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23 at Doko Manor.