H.O. Brittingham Elementary School honors black history
A Michael Jackson tribute brought the house down during H.O. Brittingham Elementary School's black history celebration Feb. 24.
"When everyone danced it was the best part," said Kaeli O'Neill, 11. "I liked seeing the teachers and kids dancing."
This was the fourth year H.O. Brittingham Elementary has organized a schoolwide event celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans. This year's director, Bevelene Holloman, said she was proud of the students who participated.
"They worked really hard at it, and they did a great job," she said.
The cafeteria was standing room only as students and relatives enjoyed the morning production.
"This is truly a group effort," said Principal Cristy Greaves during her welcome speech. "We show that everyday at HOB we all work together and show respect for each other."
Following a dance routine, student Ericson Willy delivered Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and Myles Hazzard presented his personal dream speech.
A skit featuring George Washington Carver and other entrepreneurs showed students inventions, scientific discoveries and businesses developed by African Americans.
Student trumpeters Josiah and Caden Miller played a duet, the school chorus sang an inspirational song and special guests, the Comfort Zone band, gave the audience a taste of jazz.
The event helped students understand the many contributions African Americans made to this country.
"I learned black people can make a change in the world," said Natalie Evans, 10.
Greaves said the biggest lesson students could learn from the presentations was never give up on your dreams.
"Even when it looks like it's not your day or things aren't going well with your family you can still have your dreams," she said.
From President Barack Obama to Oprah Winfrey, sports star Michael Jordan to actor Denzel Washington, Kaeli said she was impressed with how many African Americans have achieved success through hard work.
"I learned black people are special in many ways," she said.
