Northview High Observes Black History Month (Photos)

February 23, 2012

Northview High School marked Black History Month Wednesday with a program “Black Light: Embracing Diversity & Celebrating Contributions.”

Guest speaker Eugene Franklin,  founder and CEO of the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of education to the students, along with cultural understanding.

For a photo gallery from the event, click here.

Born into segregation, Franklin (pictured left) said he had no hope of becoming anything in life that would make a difference, despite his dream to do something important like the great men of modern history.

But the draft and the U.S. Navy changed Franklin’s outlook on life and he learned to appreciate diverse cultures.  “It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” he said. “I gained a new vision of how the world works.”

“I knew then that one day America would live up to its creed that all people are created equal.”

“We need to learn to appreciate our differences and base our judgments on culture,” he said, “and not look at race.”

“History is being made today by each and every one of you,” Franklin told the Northview students. “Do everything you can to make a difference in someone else’s life.”

Also during the program, Cultural Diversity essay award winners were announced:

  • 9th grade: Samantha Sharpless, first place;Tony Puente, honorable mention
  • 10th grade: Talana Heathcock, first place; Katelynne Calloway, honorable mention
  • 12th grade: Jamila Codrington, first place

For a photo gallery from the event, click here.

Pictured top: Briana Harris performs during a Black History Month program Wednesday at Northview High School. Pictured inset: Guest speaker Eugene Franklin. Pictured below: Students perform during the event. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “Northview High Observes Black History Month (Photos)”

  1. NHS Student on February 25th, 2012 7:40 pm

    Thanks To All The Positive Comments , And Its Better to Know Our Differences , Than To Ignore Them …
    <3

  2. nene on February 25th, 2012 5:30 pm

    It’s funny how comments just out pour on ceratin articles on here. This is something positive and it’s just looked over. Great job to all the students involved!

  3. EWMS/Bratt Mom on February 23rd, 2012 8:43 pm

    Good job NHS students. It’s important that we recognize the contributions of African Americans in history and gives the students different perspectives on some of the events that have shaped America. Glad that MLK is always mentioned along with his thoughts that we look past color lines to see the person within. Keep up the GREAT work kids.

  4. friction against the machine on February 23rd, 2012 7:29 pm

    Too bad we don’t have more holidays that celebrate how we re all alike instead of pointing out our differences.