Black History Month

Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls. My name is Massa B. Larmena representing the Roberts Family Development Center. I wanted to tell you of some exciting things that went on February 19^th at our Black History Celebration Night. At 6:00 p.m. we had refreshments by Pannell Quizine. You missed out on some good food if you weren’t there. That lasted about an hour. By 7:00 we had The Master of Ceremony, Mr. Walter Edwards, Roberts Family Development Board Chair, followed by an opening prayer by: Rev.John Williams. Next up were remarks by Joanne Cummings, representing Vice Mayor Sandy Sheedy, and Supervisor Roger Dickinson’s Legislative Aide, Mr. Cortez Quinn.

Then came something that was very exciting. We had our African American Activism conducted by: Mrs. Nina Allen, RFDC Parent. RFDC students talked about past Black Activist, Dr. Matin Luther King Jr., Ida B Wells, Frederick Douglas, Madame C.J. Walker and Marianne Wright-Edelmen.

After that was over, we had RFDC members talk about present day RFDC Heroes. Eric Addison spoke about Wendell Echols. “Team Leader” Kenyon Hill spoke about Mr. Ed. Phillips, and “High School Intern” Nick Tolliver spoke about Keith Odister. Each received a nice plaque noting their accomplishments.

We also had a gracious woman named Ms. Suzanne Brooks who sang jazz and spiritual songs for us. She is also an accomplished artist and writer.

The RFDC kids then highlighted the achievements of the other RFDC Heroes. “High School Intern” Julie Stringfellow highlighted the achievements of Ms. Fran Barker, Ms. Jennifer Heying recognized Mrs. Jackie Rose, and Reanne Jordan recognized Ms. Mavis McAllister. Last but not least, I recognized Dr. Bettye Saxon.

We had a wonderful poem, called “I Rise” read by Brittany Wiltz.

After that the Founders of The Roberts Family Development Center, Mr. & Mrs. Roberts made a wonderful speech. Mrs. Sarah H. Larmena, my grandmother was also given an award by all of her Grand kids and by the Roberts Family Development Center, and Mr. Stan Pratt was recognized for his help renovating the Computer Lab.

Finally we had the last activity. Remember last for best.

We had our African Song and Dance. I was also in that. Our dance teacher name was Mrs. Ayo Muzon. In our group were Brianna Hicks, Bridgette Larmena, Edward Johnson, Brittany Wiltz, Momo Duoa, Numonjee Dean, LeRaih Beard, Aleea Reese, Arneil Owens. The People at The Roberts Family Development Center work very hard every day to make the world a better place to live.