SHS celebrates Black History Month with powerful message

Swainsboro High School held its annual Black History Month program in the new gym on Friday, February 23. The theme for this year’s event was “Legacy of the Divine Nine: From Alpha to the Omega.” Students leading the program were Caleb Long, Master of Ceremonies, Dei’Vion Davis, who delivered the welcome, and Quintus Williams and Kisna Patel, who provided introductions. The JROTC Color Guard made up of A’kayla Tillman, Mauriya Walden, July Eskew, and Laila Sherrod, presented the colors, with Grayson Brassell playing the National Anthem in a trumpet solo. D’Andre Smith and Akira Marion shared a dramatic reading of “NPHC Poem (The Divine Nine)” by Ken McCain. Tanyia Williams and Quintus Williams shared information on the history of Greek organizations. The ensemble of Branasha Nwakudu, Zaylin Lee, Rentavious Brown, Dei’Vion Davis, Quintus Williams, and D’Andre Smith performed a vocal rendition of the Black National Anthem accompanied by Caleb Long on piano.

A special vocal solo was performed by Andrew Roberson, father of our very own Coach Alex Walden. The speaker for the program was Francys Johnson, a civil rights attorney, pastor, and educator from Screven County. He spoke to assembled students, faculty, and guests on the importance of using our personal tools to bring about the change we want to see not only in ourselves but also in our schools, communities, and nation. At the close of the program, Mr. Johnson was presented with a gift from the Black History Month Committee. This committee consisted of faculty members Befaney Roberson, Alex Walden, Denene Washington-Favors, Cindy Brett, Major Eddie Oliver, Wanda Parrish, Linda Kelly, Salina Patton, Ayah Favors, and Adiela Serralde. Also contributing to the event were the 21st Century Leaders Club (under the direction of Wanda Parrish), who served as greeters and ushers, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (under the direction of Kelli Mendieta), who prepared and provided refreshments for guests, and Technology Student Association (under the direction of Joey O’Neal) who provided music and sound.