The celebration began with Mrs. Amanda Gordon, our Art Teacher and A+ Magnet Coordinator who also served as the Black History Chairperson, welcomed guests and introduced this year's Master of Ceremonies, 5th grader Zaree Fulwood, who has been a leader among the student body with her involvement in Art Honors, Dance Honors, All-County Chorus and Dance, Art Club, the Recycling Team, and more. After the pledge of allegiance, retired Speech/Language Pathologist Mrs. Susan Ingram, led the audience in the Negro National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Throughout the celebration, Band and Music teacher, Mr. Rick Sigler, led the audience in three other songs including "Common Ground," "Get on Board," and "I've Got Rhythm."
Our keynote speaker this year was local minister and pastor, Mr. Harvey Smallwood Sr. He shared many details of his life, including the fact that he was raised by several aunts and grandparents after the passing of his parents. He shared how he grew up not having very much money and worked hard to finally get a job, meet his wife, have and support a family and owe his own business today. He encouraged students to work hard, stay in school, ask for help when they need it, and be able to tell a similar success story when they become adults.
The Celebration continued with 3rd grade band students performing with Mr. Sigler in an African Drumming Circle and select members of Art Club, (Zaree, Imari, Alyssa and Laureyan,) leading the audience in an original Spoken Word piece written by Mrs. Gordon, "Standing Together Forever."
The performance by 4th & 5th grade Dance Honors was a deep and symbolic original choreographed piece by Dance Teacher and Arts Team Chairperson, Mrs. Amanda Nelson. The piece used costumes, chairs, and stylized movement to symbolically tell the story of Rosa Parks' Historical Bus Boycott. It was a piece that showed separation and racism in the beginning but ended with a celebration of unity and celebration of diversity. This piece will also be performed by the group for the Student Choreography Showcase in the Spring.
Another special detail of this year's Black History Program was a guest performance by Reynolds High School Jazz Band under the direction of Mr. Jonathan Hamiel. The band performed "Blue Trane" by John Coltrane and "So What" by Miles Davis. Our 4th & 5th grade Band Honors students joined them in performing their last song, "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock.
The celebration ended with M.C. Zaree Fulwood challenging the audience to remember the messages they heard throughout the month that encouraged everyone to come together as one, work together, and end racism and prejudice. Principal Mr. Ted Burcaw echoed her charge as he closed the program by thanking guests, parents, students, and teachers.
To read the WSFCS Blog Story about our celebration, visit this link: https://bit.ly/2VZtBex
To see photos by the WSFCS Photographer, click here: https://bit.ly/2HgoAdU
To see our photos from the event, check out this: https://bit.ly/2SWzVBz
