Black History Month celebrated in Charles City

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City community members celebrated Black History Month with a gathering at the Charles City Public Library’s Zastrow Room on Sunday, Feb. 16.

“It’s to encourage the youth to look forward to better things ahead,” said Pastor Charles Green of Jesus Christ the Holy King of Glory Baptist Church, who organized the event. “The main thing we want to do is give positive reinforcement.”

Celebrating the month dedicated to African history, the event put on an African Attire Fashion Show, featuring a selection of outfits from Saga Boutique inspired by traditional African designs.

“It was good,” said Seayonnie Luckett, who modeled outfits with other members of her family. “I had fun.”

“I was slaying,” said Marleeyonie Luckett, the youngest of the attending models.

Along with showcasing cultural aspects of their ancestral homeland, the program also offered a history lesson on the civil rights movement in the United States.

Green said he hopes that the program encourages the kids to learn about their history and gives them the confidence to follow their own dreams.

“I want to encourage them to live and learn, but learn about who you are and where you came from,” said Green. “You can do whatever you put your mind to. There may be obstacles that will slow you down, but the important thing is you tried.”