Lonsdale accomplished its inaugural Black History Month Celebration on Tuesday, February 13, and Will Smith, principal, hopes for it to become a new Lonsdale tradition for years to come.
Smith wanted to host the event because the school has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Night for many years, even way back when he was a teacher at Lonsdale, but the school had not had a Black History Celebration, and Lonsdale has a rich history within the African-American community.
Gladys Farmer, site director for Lonsdale Community Schools, led the charge on this event according to Smith. He said Farmer reached out to many different groups to make this night possible and the Lonsdale Union of Churches provided and served the food. Families and staff were invited to bring desserts and drinks to share.
There were several outstanding performances throughout the evening.
- The Austin East class of 1972 provided a Black History Wax Museum to share important black figures in history.
- A former student and school art teacher also did a live silk printing event, allowing students to silk print their own designs.
- Felecia Outsey and her son, DynamicRay, provided an emotional and moving interpretive dance and lyrical poem to tell the story of Emmett Till.
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- Austin East alumni represent judges Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley
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- Rosine Gaston screen prints at event
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- Felecia Outsey and son, DynamicRay, perform at event
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Smith was excited to report the great turnout of students, families and community members and he looks forward to growing and improving this event each year.
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