In honor of February being Black History month, the Boykin Community Center hosted a program on Feb. 12 to celebrate black heritage.
The program showcased many talented members of the community through song, show and speech.
According to Johnnie Dowdell, the center manager, the center will be conducting a plethora of activities during the month in honor of black history. Dowdell stressed that the program is much more than celebrating the month.
"This is an awesome day for us. As black people, we have contributed many things to this community and world. This is a good time to recognize that and for other people to recognize that as well," Dowdell said.
Corrine Wright, the guest speaker, told of her days growing up as a black child.
"Our heritage defines who we are," Wright said. "If you learn where you came from you will have a better idea of where you are headed."
The Tuskegee University Golden Voices Concert Choir was there and performed, "I Can Tell the World".
According to Wayne Barr, director of choral activities for Tuskegee University, the choir was founded in 1886 and is composed of Tuskegee students. Barr said that he is looking forward to sharing music with the seniors.
"We are delighted to be here and we pride ourselves in keeping the spirituals alive," Barr said. "It's a dying genre of music that is very important to our heritage."
Keeping with a musical theme, the center welcomed Annie Mosley and Slapper Grimmett to sing a duet, "Old Time Religion". Ovell Grimmett, the accompaniment for the program, graced the room with his beautiful arrangement of "A Change is Going to Come".
A dramatization of Harriet Tubman was performed by Marjorie Watson and Patsy Goodloe. The performance enthused the crowd and received passionate feedback.
Mayor Bill Hamm was present and thanked all those that attended and organized the event.
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