Denham Springs Black History program: Honoring our past, present and future pioneers
A Black History Month program was held on Friday, Feb. 22 at West Livingston Recreation Center in the Denham Springs community.
The program was led by the West Livingston Advisory Board and the theme was “Honoring our heritage and our past, present and future pioneers.”
Community member Mcfay Whitley stated, “This program is so important because it is a time where we can honor those who came before and paved the way.”
After the national Negro anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the speaker, Dr. Debra Keller, spoke about how iron sharpens iron and how children need to be raised as leaders and continue the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Keller suggested, “They say it takes a village to raise a child, but has that village changed?” She believes that in this day and age it actually takes authoritative parents that live by example to raise a child.
During her speech, she stressed the importance of daily interaction between parents and children. She believes that making investments into the lives of children is important for future success.
The West Livingston Advisory Board also held an essay contest in order to allow children from K-8th grade to research and express which African American leaders have impressed them the most. There were six winners with monetary prizes and a ribbon given to each.
The program was not only to honor African American activists and leaders, but it was used to encourage and motivate the people and children of today.
After the essay winners were announced, several successful African American women were honored and recognized as “Present Day Black History and Phenomenal Women.” Despite the color of their skin or gender, they were able to become doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and more.
Patricia Steel, one of the honored Phenomenal Women, was the first in her family to finish college and received a degree in business.
She said, “As a youth, I knew that I wanted more for myself, my community and my family; therefore I worked hard to get where I am today.”
The Black History program has annually brought many people in the community together for the celebration of their heritage. This is an event that is held on the fourth Friday of every February.
A resident in the community explains that this program, “Allows us to keep a connection with the past by participating in a program such as this one. I can see the freedom we have gained and I am able to see the freedom in those who spoke before us tonight, young and old.”
The Denham Springs community takes pride in Black History month and believes this program to be a catalyst for change and an important part of not just black history, but American history.
