Black history celebrated at Warren County Middle & High

Warren County Middle & High School held their annual Black History Program Friday in the Holliman Auditorium. The celebration kicks off a month of study, celebration, and recognition of the contributions of African Americans to the history of the United States.

Friday's program featured many students, community members, and Dr. Roger Williams as guest speaker. Dr. Williams is a former principal of Warren County High School.

The program featured several several Warren County students. The pledge of Allegiance was led by Sulgun Bekniyazova and the African Pledge was led by Nicholas Hudson. The Warren County Voices, a musical group made up of WCHS students then performed for the audience. Members of the group include Mykeia Carter, Bianca Ficklin, Deshawn Ficklin, Abril Heath, and Darius Williams. Tyneisha Grier also performed by singing Precious Lord for the audience.

Shantana Moss and Tyeisha Tanksley each performed poems by Maya Angelou. Moss recited I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Tanksley followed with Still I Rise.

The Warren County cheerleaders presented a skit that encouraged students to "Believe in yourself." Members of the squad portrayed famous African-American women and their contributions.

Jessica Green and Eugene Andrews took the stage to read excerpts from two famous speeches. Green read from Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech followed by Andrews' interpretation of President Obama's inaugural address.

The Warren County Arts Group, a musical group made up of members of the community, then took the stage to perform for the audience.

Dr. Roger Williams then took the stage for his keynote address. He was accompanied by Ms. Fluellen Williams. Ms. Williams performed several songs at strategic points in Williams' speech. Each selection was met with a rousing ovation from the audience.

Dr. Williams encouraged the student body to have hope for a brighter future and to take pride in themselves, their school, and their community.

This year's Black History Program was organized by Ms. Lindsey Sherrouse.