‘We are somebody,’ Black History Club says
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‘My hair may be different, but I am somebody’ ‘ Krystal Richmond.
‘The way I dress may be different, but I am somebody’ ‘ Jasmine Hall.
‘I am black, white, Asian and Indian, but I am still somebody’ ‘ Adreama Dennison.
‘My speech may be slang, but I am somebody’ ‘ Greg Johnson
‘I was raised in the projects, but I must be respected, protected, NEVER rejected ‘ I AM SOMEBODY’ ‘ Jasmine Battles.
These affirmations, and many more, were expressed by members of the Black History Club when they stepped up to the podium as part of the Warren County High School Black History Club 2008 Recognition Program. The event was designed to recognize local African-Americans who have had a positive effect on the community.
The program was a stirring tribute to the 27 individuals chosen by the Black History Club members to be honored for their contributions.
The honorees for 2008 included:
Rob Wood, Travis Battles, Bro. Phillip Smith Jr., E.B. Malone, Michael Martin, Fred Locke Jr., Bro. George King Jr., Louis Battles, Danny Martin, Marvin Lusk, Maggie Locke, Mary Sanders, Tina Ramsey, Eva Savage, Carmen Mount, Ray and Georgia Huggins, Carolyn Barnhill, Gregory and Shauna Wiley, Ms. Jesse Crabtree, Mark Gwyn, Cindy McKinley, Bro. Eugene Wilkerson, Charlie Boyd, Annette Robertson and Maxine Weeden.
The program began with a welcome by Wayne Wolford, followed by Christine Grayson’s beautiful rendition of the Negro National Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ written by noted black composer and diplomat James Weldon Johnson.
Grayson’s performance was followed by a short talk on black history by club member Stephan Whitaker, who was instrumental in organizing the program.
The audience was moved as each of the Black History Club members on stage made their way to the podium to express their pride in their heritage with their ‘I Am Somebody’ declarations.
County Executive John Pelham was particularly impressed with the poise and sincerity of the students, commending them on their leadership.
‘I have really enjoyed this program,’ Pelham said. ‘And I’d like to make just a couple of observations and comments if I may, especially to these young men and women who are sitting here on the stage.
‘Yes, you are somebody,’ Pelham said. ‘You truly are. You are all the things you just stated. But what you are also, are the future leaders of this county, state and country. And a lot of times we make these comments and we speak in terms of the future and what you will become, but let me also say that you are leaders now here in this high school. You are leaders in your own right for the things that you do, and the stand that you take. For all the efforts you make to make this high school and this community what it is. I am so proud of you.’
Pelham told the audience he had confidence these students could accomplish great things in their lives.
‘A victory is already won when you have a group of young adults like these before you,’ Pelham said, and then turned to look at the students. ‘You have an opportunity to work toward whatever goals you set for yourselves. It’s a great thing for you, individually, to have a dream, whatever that dream is, and to know in your heart you can achieve it. And you can. Your future has not been written yet. It is what you choose to make it.’
Alexis Randolph and the Black History Club officers then handed out the framed certificates to the recipients, after which they gathered for a special luncheon in their honor.