Encouraging students to honor those that came before them in light of Black History Month, the Office of Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs hosted a Black History Focus program entitled, “Honoring History and Tradition.” Coordinated by Dr. Wandra Arrington, Assistant Director of the Office of Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs, the event was held in the J.D. Boyd Library Auditorium from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
“I coordinated this event because I want our students to remember that they can do anything and that working hard is a way that they can honor our ancestors and give back to Alcorn,” Dr. Arrington stated.
The program was led by the President of the Honor Student Organization, Xavier Bradford. The ASU Wesley Foundation’s Reverend Tara J. Hayes gave the invocation, followed by Dr. Stephen G. Hall, Program Coordinator of the History Department of Social Sciences, who gave the welcome where he gave educational facts about black history. Students Breanna Gamble, a Senior Social Work major and Dekayla Thomas, a Junior Psychology major, performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson and recited the poem “Traces” by Caroline Cecile Delacroix respectively before introducing the keynote speaker.
The keynote speaker, Brigadier General Robert Crear of Vicksburg, Mississippi gave an inspiring message about the importance of African American legacies. “A legacy is not just a thing or concept. The dictionary defines a legacy as a gift, a precious gift,” he explained. “Something that is tangible, that is real, real enough that it can affect generations.”
Dr. Arrington concluded the program by giving the closing remarks.
Orlando Carson, a Freshman, Biology/Pre-Nursing major, expressed, “I thought the program was very inspiring and brought life to what I should be focusing on, should be proud of and the legacy I should cherish and give to future generations.”