By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore/Autauga News
The City of Prattville along with the Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the 22nd annual Back History Program for Friday, Feb. 24, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Doster Center, located at 424 South Northington St.
This program is free of charge and open to the public.
The keynote speaker will be Alabama House of Representatives Kelvin Lawrence, who has served the 69th district since 2014, and this year’s facilitator is Vernessa Emerson with the Autauga County Technology Center. Prattville High School’s ROTC will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Virginia Harris will lead the invocation at this year’s program.
“When I started as the Program Chair I said as long as I had something to do to do with this and she had breath in her body, that was her role. We have talked and she is really looking forward to Friday night also,” Program Assistant Latrisha Gardner said.
The theme for this Black History Program is “The Black Experience, Believe, Lead, Build, Speak and Educate.”
“We all need that to survive,” Gardner said. “Experience this the best teacher, and the believe, and lead, and build, and speak, and educate, you know we all need that.”
The Prattville Community Chorus will be performing in the program.
“Last time I counted there were over 30 participants that are going to be singing, and they range from 8-14 years old,” Gardner said. “To see how excited they are doing it, is just awesome. And the youth Choir are going to sing a couple of selections.
Dancers from the Evolve Studio for the Arts will be performing in the program.
In addition to the great speaker and performers, this year there will be a new addition to the Black History Program.
“We haven’t done this before and I’m excited about it,” Gardner said. “We have two individuals that are going to award a scholarship that evening.”
Dr. Beverley Stoudemire will give $1000 in honor of parents, and Harper’s Hope Foundation will also give $1000 scholarship to deserving young adults from the community. To qualify for the scholarship, students had to submit a 300-word essay.
This event is free of charge and everyone is welcome.
“If they come with an open mind, I guarantee them that their coming will not be in vain. And, that they will enjoy themselves. There’s going to be something that is going to happen that is going to make you say, ‘Oh, I’m so glad I came,” Gardner said.
For more information, call 334-595-0850.
