- April 28, 2024
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The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Children's Choir sang three songs at the 21st annual Youth Black History Program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Briana Durry takes her turn as Durry, Caden Williams (left) and Joy Prime (not pictured) share the Historical Journey of Josephine Wright. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Imani Guillory led the invocation. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jeanette Wheeler founded the youth program, now in its 21st year. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jill Prime and Edwina Mezo Brown were the emcees of the 21st annual Youth Black History Program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
African American Cultural Society members line up to take videos of the Youth Black History Program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Sheldon Headley sings "Stand Up." Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jaiyse Williams, center, sings a solo during the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Children's Choir's set. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Amina Taite-Headspeth presented "The Taking" with Sheldon Headley (left) and Maxwell Lee. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Briana Durry, Jayda Williams, Nyla Reese and Aaliah Reese. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Ashley Harrison shared the Historic Journey of Jon Batiste. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Caden Williams takes his turn as Williams, Briana Durry (left) and Joy Prime share the Historic Journey of Josephine Wright. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Constant Poitier, the director of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Children's Choir, introduces the choir's first song. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Faith Robinson shared the Historic Journey of Marcus Garvey. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Grace Lawrence shared the Historic Journey of Dr. Mae Jamison. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The participants of the Youth Black History Program gather for group photos at the AACS Cultural Center and Museum. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jada Williams shared the Historic Journey of Al Sharpton. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jill Prime presents "The Theme" as the beginning of the program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
African American Cultural Society President Joseph T. Jones provides remarks after the program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Joy Prime (right) takes her turn in sharing with Briana Durry and Caden Williams the Historic Journey of Josephine Wright. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Myles Lee shared the Historic Journey of John Lewis. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Amina Taite-Headspeth shared the Historic Journey of Val Demings. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Audience members at the 21st annual Youth Black History Program shine their cellphone flashlights as part of the program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The theme for the 21st annual Youth Black History Program was Backward Never … Forward Always!!!
Fifteen students performed in the program on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the African American Cultural Society’s Cultural Center and Museum in Palm Coast. The performers included five graduating seniors.
“Our focus is to help students learn more about their origin, their history, their contributions and their potential,” said Harriet A. Whiting, the chairperson of the Youth Black History Committee.
Edwina Mezo Brown and Jill Prime were the emcees for the program. Prime presented “The Theme.” Mezo Brown presented “The Beginning,” tracing the African origins of African Americans.
Sheldon Headley, Amina Taite-Headspeth and Maxwell Lee presented “The Taking.” The program also included poems recited by Aaliah and Nyla Reese, songs performed by Headley and a performance by the Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Children's Choir.
“Historic Journeys,” sharing the stories of several celebrated African Americans who have made positive contributions to society were presented by Faith Robinson (Marcus Garvey); Jayda Williams (Al Sharpton); Taite-Headspeth (Val Demings), Grace Lawrence (Dr. Mae Jamison); Joy Prime, Briana Durry and Caden Williams (Josephine Wright); Myles Lee (John Lewis); and Ashley Harrison (Jon Batiste).
The program ended with a video presentation of “Running,” recorded by J. Ivy, John Legend, Slick Rick and Verse. Gary Johnson compiled the video.
Jeanette Wheeler, the Youth Black History Program's founder and longtime committee chairperson, said over the years the committee has raised over $100,000 in scholarships for the program's participants.
