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2nd annual Black History Banquet held
The 2nd annual Colorado County Black History Banquet, highlighting the theme of “African Americans in Labor,” was held last Saturday night, Feb. 15 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church Lighthouse in Columbus.
Colorado County residents and beyond remarked another Black History Month in the books, celebrating and remembering the achievements made throughout the decades and still made every single day.
The event was put together by the Colorado County Black History Banquet committee, featuring members Pastor Joel N. Usher, Debra Cummings, Jewel Coreathers, Alesia Woolridge and Beverley McMillian.
Lt. Colonel Retired USMC Tandy Carter (middle) was one of two guest speakers at the banquet held on Feb. 15, introduced by his wife Gina Carter (far left). Citizen | Abenezer Yonas
Attendees got to dine on meals catered by Hinze’s BBQ out of Sealy while enjoying the various parts of the event, featuring Pastor Joel N. Usher as the MC for the night, scripture and prayer, a welcome presented by Ethan Fitzgerald, praise dances done by Sierra Sewell, Sa’Rya Sewell, Pradeja Coleman, Kimani Coleman and Alyssa Knight-Richardson.
The banquet also featured performances of the popular African American hymns “I Told the Storm” and “Lift Every Voice & Sing,” with the latter considered to be the “Black national anthem.”
The poem, “When are We Gonna Come Together” was presented by Howard Evans Jr., with Randi Houston and Lt. Colonel Retired USMC Tandy Carter being the guest speakers for the evening. David W. Houston Sr. introduced Randi, while Gina Carter introduced Tandy.
Pastor Joel performed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top,” given after King Jr. was nearly murdered in a stabbing attempt in Harlem while signing copies of his book, “Strive Towards Freedom” on Sept. 20, 1958. King Jr. Barley survived the attempt on his life by a hair’s breadth.
“Had I (Dr. King) sneezed or coughed, the weapon would have penetrated my aorta. I was just a sneeze away from death,” recited Pastor Joel. “I’m so thankful I didn’t sneeze.”
Closing remarks were made by Cummings in addition to a benediction.
All proceeds of the banquet go towards scholarship funds for students throughout Colorado County. As of press time, no figure amount has been released indicating the proceeds raised.
Attendees enjoyed a festive night full of food, celebration, remembrance and recognition.
