Wednesday, February 11, 2004
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Wednesday, February 11, 2004 |
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Black History Month events underway in Fayette schools By J. FRANK LYNCH Sandy Creek High School hosted a colorful opening ceremonies assembly last week to mark the start of Black History Month, just one of dozens of events taking place at each of Fayette County’s 28 schools in the month of February. The theme for the month-long emphasis at Sandy Creek is “Sharing Cultures, Cultivating Differences, Helping Others, Support Diversity.” The hour-long opening ceremony featured inspirational song, dance and a message about success delivered by guest speaker Albert Mensah. Musical performances were given by the Mens Chorus, singing “Betelehemu,” a Nigerian Christmas Song arranged by Wendall Whalum, and an arrangement of “Elijah Rock” sung by the Mixed Chorus. “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” regarded as the Black National Hymn, was sung by Sandy Creek student Chardonnay Bunkley. Mensah, an international speaker, philanthropist, author and humanitarian, entertained students with his stories of growing up in Ghana and attending a one-room school with a dirt oor. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to the capital, Accra, where he saw his €rst American €lm and decided he wanted to come to America. It was not the luxuries that caught his attention but the opportunities, he told students, and he set his dreams high to attend college in America even though his friends made fun of him and told him it would never happen. He ended up receiving a full scholarship to attend Western Maryland College. Now he is an international and motivational speaker who encourages others to have dreams and make choices that will help them reach their goals and succeed. Throughout the month of February, students will be studying different aspects of black history in their classrooms as well as through assignments, projects and additional guest speakers. Among other Black History Month events: • Kedron Elementary hosted Lieutenant Colonel Dryden, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Friday for a signing of his book “A Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman.” Rep. Virgil Fludd was the guest speaker at an assembly Tuesday. Lonnie Johnson, who invented the Super Soaker, will give two lectures to students Feb. 27. • Sara Harp Minter Elementary will celebrate its multicultural heritage during the week of Feb. 23. Classes will study specific countries. Students will make family crests to decorate classroom doors. An international parade will conclude the week long celebration (K-5) and there will be an international feast held in the cafeteria. • Rising Starr Middle School will welcome Andrew Young as the guest speaker at a schoolwide assembly Feb. 26 beginning at 1 p.m.
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