Black history celebrated at Charles City event

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

A call for equality and a celebration of African-American history and culture were highlighted Saturday evening during an event in recognition of Black History Month at the Zastrow Room at the Charles City Public Library.

“I want to thank God that this is the first of what will be many years of celebrating Black History Month here in Charles City,” said Pastor Charles A. Green, who delivered remarks and read portions of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech during the ceremony.

“We had a great turnout, and I thank everyone who came out here today to support our program,” he said.

The celebration included an Afrocentric fashion show, short writings, poems, songs and musical presentations, as well as refreshments and snacks at the close of the service.

Mistresses of the ceremony were Endia Franklin and Camillya Thomas, and a civil rights timeline outlining African-American history in the United States was presented by Thomas and Armory James.

“This is greatest nation in the world, and we are great because of our diversity,” Green said. “It is our responsibility — each one, to teach one — and we will grow stronger as a community and as a nation as we move forward.”

A fashion show conducted by Jeremiah McClenton displayed colorful Afrocentric attire for children and adults.

“Our children need to see cultural diversity,” Green said. “The kids are the future, and we want them to live in the world that Martin Luther King dreamed of.”

Evangelist Lois Nevers presented the opening prayer, delivered comments and sang a rendition of Mahalia Jackson’s “Troubles of this World” during the program.