Black History

Missouri City to Host 5th Annual Black History Month Celebrations

HOUSTON FORWARD TIMES — The festivities will kick off on Wednesday, February 13

Published

5 years ago

February 2, 2019

By Jeffrey L. Boney

Continuing its tradition of celebrating culture and diversity in the community, Missouri City will host its 5th Annual Black History Month Celebrations on Wednesday, February 13 through Friday, February 16.

The festivities will kick off on Wednesday, February 13 with “An Evening Celebration of Art & Artists” in the premier Visitors Center, located at 1522 Texas Pkwy., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guests will enjoy the works of artists Ted Ellis, best known for his African American themed art and styles which blend elements of folk art, naturalism and impressionism, and Amy Cassidy whose jewel toned pigments combined with a hard glassy resin coating create a very unique painting that is like jewelry on walls.

The evening will also consist of discussions with both artists, food, beverages and musical entertainment provided by Regional Jazz Saxophonist, Theresa Grayson.

The Black History Month Heritage Committee, a community organization, is also hosting a local celebration on Friday, February 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Residents and stakeholders are invited to attend the committee’s Black History Month Celebration Gala being held at the Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy. Sponsored through the Fort Bend Academy of Arts & Dance, the event’s theme is, “A Celebration of Firsts.” Guests will enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, music and fellowship and will celebrate the lives of individuals who have succeeded as the “firsts” in their field while paving the way for others. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the Gala will follow at 7 p.m.

Then, on Saturday, February 16, Missouri City will host its traditional program in the Community Center featuring a local business showcase, a cultural tasting with Micheaux’s and The Greatest BBQ, a dance showcase with the Fort Bend Academy of Arts & Dance, a comedy showcase with acclaimed performers Ali Siddiq and Lil Darrel and the first-ever youth poetry slam with presentations from students across the region that will be judged by Pamela Plumbar-Holliman, who is Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and Andre “Self the Poet” Burrell, a nationally ranked poet whose style is equal parts intelligent, captivating, and profound.

Comedian Ali Siddiq

“We’re proud to see our Black History Month tradition continue to recognize African American culture and accomplishments showcasing the tremendous historical contributions of local legends, including our area youth,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “This year’s events will be top-notch and we look forward to hosting residents and stakeholders from across the region.”

Black History Month partners include H-E-B, Comcast, CenterPoint Energy, Niagara, Trammel Crow, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Fort Bend Academy of Arts & Dance (FBAAD), Micheaux’s Diner & Catering, INC., The Greatest BBQ, Chopping Board Catering and Cajun Pits Catering.

This article originally appeared in the Houston Forward Times.

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Activism

S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.