Did You Know? Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. History. The event grew out of "Negro History Week," the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. It was established as a week-long celebration in 1926. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Adhering to Covid-19 safety measures, Center Elementary held its annual Black History Program via Google Meet. Principal Tyler A. Bennett gave a spirited welcome to set the tone for the show. National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) member Nicole Lloyd gave the invocation, and NEHS member Ethan Bruner led the Pledge of Allegiance. The history of the Black National Anthem was shared with all by Mrs. Shelly Cox, Gifted Teacher & Testing Coordinator, followed by the student body singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This year's program was blessed with two marvelous singers: Mrs. Kasandra Scott Pridgon, First Lady of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr. Jacob Evans, song artist and Waycross native. Mrs. Pridgon sang a beautiful rendition of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and Mr. Jacob Evans sang the soulful tune "A Change is Gonna Come." Ms. Jeanette Causer had the honor of introducing her aunt, our guest speaker, Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker. Dr. Whitaker is a Waycross native currently residing in Amherst, MA. She is a nephrologist, artist, acclaimed author, and community activist. Dr. Whitaker shared with students, "You have everything you need to be whatever you dream to be if you just plan for it and work for it. You are LUCKY! Don't half step it, and don't complain if you didn't plan." Dr. Whitaker also read her new children's book, "I Did Not Ask to Be Born Black. I Just Got Lucky!". Our program was brought to a close as students listened to "Rise Up" and "Stand Up for Something". Mr. Garner gave closing remarks and left the kids and adults with a charge, "Rise Up and Stand Up for Something Good (Equality) and Let's Be the Change We Want to See (Change)." In the photo, several of our teachers dressed up for the occasion in their vibrantly colored African and cultural attire.
Photo: Left to Right
Ms. Jamesha Shelton, Mrs. Tiffany Golden, Ms. Angie Cobb, Ms. Jeanette Causer, and Mrs. Ketha Stephenson