According to MyLee Williams, a sixth grader at Crenshaw Christian Academy, it is important to celebrate all cultures. Williams enjoys learning about African Americans that have significant places in history in Mr. Sansom’s history class. She said that learning about the past helps to ensure the best future for America.

Luverne students with Monty Dillard and Charlie Sankey Jr., guest speaker during Luverne’s program. Sankey is a loan officer at First Citizens Bank and is the chairman of the Crenshaw County Commission, serving as a commissioner for twenty years. Sankey said Black History is about everyone.

Sunday during the Little Baptist Hill Black History Program, Jakeria McGhee, eleventh grader at Luverne High School, read a speech she wrote. “Black History Month is just that: Black history. Our history, full of pain, trauma, and racism. But it wasn't all bad. Because we had people who put aside their lives, and their own trauma, to fight for not only people but an entire race. We had powerful men and women fighting for a future where there is no racism, discrimination, sexism, or hatred…Take Rosa Parks for example. Rosa refused to be shackled, refused to be silenced, refused to stand. She sat for a history of pain, valor, and fighting, and she sat for our future…n Black History Month is a time to celebrate, remember, and honor the African American citizens who have made a lasting impact in the world…”

Several students perform a praise dance including Mya Richardson, senior; and Daniya Jones, tenth grader at Brantley school’s Black History program.

Highland Home tenth grade students T.J. Washington, Jordan Bryant, Javion McMillian, Lela Mansmann, and Jessica Bodiford completed an assignment choosing an outstanding black figure to write about. Bodiford chose to write about Fritz Pollard, the first black person to play in the NFL. Bodiford is an athlete and fan of all sports and hopes to continue to play sports in college. Highland Home School will hold their Black History program on March 7 at 9 a.m.

Carlos Eubanks, eleventh grader at Luverne, sings “I won’t complain” written and originally recorded by Reverend Paul Jones in 1993.

The Luverne High School Praise Dancers perform to “Rise Up.”

Luverne High School students Alana White, Malik Wilson, and Taylor Turner read Amanda Gorum’s inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb.”

Trey Marshall, senior; and Na’Tiya Marshall, tenth grader, participate in a praise dance during Brantley school’s program.

Dr. Sitembile Lee, a 2009 graduate of Brantley High School, was the guest speaker during Brantley’s Black History program. Lee now lives in Foley and works at Community Health in Pensacola. “We all have been gifted different talents, purposes and perspectives which in turn allow us all to contribute to the unique threads that unite the world together,” Lee said. “But, we all must recognize that we have blind spots based on our personal life experiences and through unity and respect for one another, we all may grow together collectively reducing those blind spots.”