photo by Brent Maze

Time of praise: The Cultural Unity Organization hosted its 37th annual Black History Program at Central Alabama Community College Friday night. An audience member lifts her hands as the Anointed Brown Sisters perform.

College organization celebrates Black History Month with program

By Katie Cole (Contact) | Alex City Outlook

Published Monday, February 8, 2010

The Cultural Unity Organization celebrated Black History Month Friday evening with singing, dancing and worship.

The 37th annual Black History Month program was attended by well over 100 people in the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College. The goal of the college organization’s event is to honor the sacrifices made by generations of people in the struggle for equal rights for African Americans, according to CUO co-sponsor Diann Tippins.

“It’s about celebrating our history,” Tippins said. “The things we had to come through to get here we want to celebrate the rest of our lives.”

After introductions by CUO leaders, the event began with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sung by members of CUO, although many audience members joined in with the lyrics. That was followed by dance performances by the Pathfinders of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville and Regeneration. The Rev. Justin Freeman of Greater Pine Hill Baptist Church read Mr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech “I have a dream.” The Anointed Brown Sisters, a gospel quartet from Tuscaloosa was the special guest.

CUO sponsor Amanda Harkins said CUO’s 40 members play a large role in planning and organizing the event each year.

“We try to involve the community talent that we have and bring in special, out-of-town guests to promote the program,” she said.

This year’s performers were well-received by the audience, who clapped, sang and cheered throughout the program.

Hattie Lynn Daniels has attended the event for many years. She said the program helps teach younger adults and children about sacrifices that were made before they were born.

“We have to support our own,” Daniels said. “The younger generation (doesn’t) know a lot. I’m from the old school.”

Dedric Simmons, a 21-year-old from Goodwater, attended the program for the first time to support his girlfriend, a member of CUO. Simmons said it was important for young people to take a leadership role in Black History Month programs.

“It’s always important to have events during Black History Month (because) so many people don’t know what went on,” Simmons said. “If you teach it well at a young age, it will develop as (they) get older. It’s good to see college people involved.”

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