AASU celebrates Black History Month at PJC
Published or Revised March 08, 2012
Evangelist Tracey Spies, left, delivered a motivational speech to the audience at the Paris Junior College Black History Month program, sponsored by the African American Student Union. She challenged audience members to educate themselves and others about the contributions made to America by African Americans. At right, shown performing “Still I Rise,” a poem by Maya Angelou, is LaQuinzia McKnight of Seagoville, Texas.
The Paris Junior College African American Student Union recently sponsored a program celebrating Black History Month.
"The program creates positive awareness of African Americans in the community," said AASU President Chris Palmore, a veteran who lives in Paris. "Our club does fundraisers and community service and we work the concession stand at PJC basketball games. We meet every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in the PJC Student Center. Anyone interested is welcome to attend."
The inspirational program led off with a welcome from AASU member Cindy Blanton of Henderson, who also introduced the speakers. Following a prayer by Lasuelo Jackson of Clarksville, Student Life Director and club advisor Kenneth Webb gave a general welcome. All the AASU members gave the African American pledge, and they also sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" later in the program.
LaQuinzia McKnight of Seagoville read the Maya Angelou poem, "Still I Rise". Clyde Polk of Dallas gave a speech about historical African American achievements, and Devin Childs of Paris performed a cultural dance.
Evangelist Tracey Spies, a motivational speaker and wife of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church of Paris Pastor J.W.T. Spies, spoke of the many contributions to America that have been and continue to be made by African Americans and challenged audience members to educate themselves and others about those contributions and the inspiring stories of those making them.
