Blythewood Celebrates 3rd Annual Black History Event

Dressed for the occasion, Sheila Butler, Maxine Goodwin, Alberta Lewis and Luvenia Gordon-Dukes arrived at the Blythewood Black History program ready to celebrate. | Barbara Ball

BLYTHEWOOD – The Blythewood Community celebrated Black History Month with music, dance and refreshments on Saturday at The Manor.

The afternoon of entertainment and remembrance included performances by members of the Blythewood Churches Community Choir, the Pine Grove Church Youth Choir and a dance team from Westwood High School.

Jo Ann of Na J Fashions

Jason Lloyd opened the program singing the National Anthem before Guest Speaker Dr. Joe Kelly was introduced. Viola Sanders entertained with an exhibit of inventions through the years by African-Americans.

Church awards were presented to local church elders as well as the most senior church elder. Ms. Daisy Mae Belton, now in her 80’s, was honored as a member of the Community Choir since she was eight years old.

A highlight of the program was the recitation of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by Ky-Brian Alexander of Blair in Fairfield County. It was followed by the Black National Anthem led by Alexander and Lloyd.

Following the program, refreshments were served, and attendees were invited to sign their names to quilt pieces to be turned into a remembrance quilt.