Black History Month Celebrated in Style
An evening of song, dance and drama mixed with stirring alumni testimonials helped make this year’s Black History Month celebration one of the best ever at Huntington High School. A crowd of nearly 400 adults and children turned out for the memorable event, which was co-hosted by the town’s Tri-CYA.
“At some point in everyone’s life they will approach crossroads,” said O. Wayne Edwards, Huntington’s director of mathematics, during remarks early in the program. “At the crossroad a decision must be made. Go left or right, keep moving or retreat.” Mr. Edwards said that many great individuals, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, among others, “all made critical decisions when faced with crossroads.”
In an almost rhythmic style, Mr. Edwards discussed several historical figures, highlighting their passion, courage and fearless and audacious characteristics. “These individuals understood that these decisions made at their crossroads would either bring them closer to their destiny or lead them further away,” he said. “What we now call ‘his-story’ was at one time ‘their-story.’ What will ‘your-story’ be?”
Members of the Huntington High School choir sang a “Negro Spiritual” and students acted out several dramatic historical scenes and dance numbers and even participated in an exciting R&B segment. There were also tributes to Dr. King, Jesse Jackson, Spike Lee, Michael Jackson, Barack Obama and Alisha Byrden, a former student who was killed in a car accident earlier this winter.
Rev. Bernadette Watkins introduced each alumni speaker with a heart-warming flair, adding many personal anecdotes. The graduates included Huntington Councilwoman Glenda A. Jackson (Class of 1982), attorney Jillian Guthman-Abadom (’88), Fuse Music Network executive assistant Roberta D. Batts (’72), Brentwood assistant principal Barry Mohammed and Huntington teacher-coach Ronald Wilson, spoke about their experiences.
Ms. Jackson said she never could have imagined that one day she would become the first African-American on the town board. Mr. Guthman-Abadom urged students to make good decisions and work hard. Ms. Batts told the audience they need to realize the power they have and to stand up and be heard. Mr. Mohammed gave an inspirational speech and Mr. Wilson said it’s important to listen to those who seek to help and guide.
The crowd featured many elementary school age children and high school students. “It was a wonderful evening, made very special by all the talented performances,” Superintendent John J. Finello said. “The alumni speakers were very inspirational and carried important messages that appeared to be well-received by the students.”
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