The day … Saturday, February 17. The place … Randolph-Henry High School auditorium. The reason … celebration of African-American history. All who attended that afternoon received a powerful message of inclusiveness and togetherness.

The theme was “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” That’s an 1857 quote from Frederick Douglass.

Dr. Hezetine Foster encouraged us to hold our elected officials accountable and get involved by not just voting, but running for office in our communities.

The youth were greatly represented with powerful singing by The Blessed Few. You felt like you were having church. In addition, there were five young ladies who gave beautiful readings of history profiles of African Americans and their amazing contributions.

The guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Kitty Smith, summed it all up and brought the message home when she talked about how only when we work together with love, compassion and unity, we can then make change happen. No person achieves anything alone. All races have worked together to advance each other’s goals.

We apologize for the wrongs done against each other in a spirit of perseverance. We have to if we are going to get anywhere in progress and prosperity; putting God first will truly get us there.

Subsequently, we are all a part of God’s triumphant family. It’s time we step in the light and claim it.

Judy Moore is a tour guide and public relations liaison at the Central High Museum. She can be reached at ju.mo39@live.com.