By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News
With coronavirus concerns still looming at large, Prattville will not be hosting their annual Black History Month Program at the Doster Memorial Center. This year was set to be the 22nd presentation of the event – a date that many people had circled on the calendar year-round.
“We regrettably have to inform everyone that the event will not be taking place this year,” said Kellie Cook, Parks and Recreation Director at the City of Prattville. “Due to social distancing issues and health concerns, we felt like it would be best to cancel the event entirely this year.”
The Black History Month Program typically features different dancing performances, music and poetry. Guest speakers also fill up the program with words of hope, inspiration and promise.
Last year, the Guest Speaker was Maxwell Pickett, brother to legendary Musician, Singer and Songwriter Wilson Pickett who grew up in Prattville.
Speakers such as Pickett help to empower the African-American community and guests such as himself will sorely be missed this February.
However, there are other avenues for people who want to involve themselves with the discourse that surrounds Black History month.
Check out the link, https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month which gives times for educational programs that delve into the origins of black history month, explain the 2021 black history month theme, and tells brave, true stories in photos.
You can also go to https://www.ibtimes.com/black-history-month-2021-12-interesting-facts-about-important-cultural-heritage-3135708 which gives even more insight into facts surrounding the all-important month.
“We’re going to miss the event dearly, but we’ll have it back up and ready to go for 2022,” Cook said.
