PJC’s AASU celebrates Black History Month

Published or Revised February 24, 2011

The Paris Junior College African American Student Union sponsored a program celebrating Black History Month on Wednesday. "We held the program to raise positive awareness of African Americans in the community," said AASU Activity Coordinator Chris Palmore, a veteran and Chicago, Ill., native now living 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., and we welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about African American heritage to attend." The inspirational program led off with the African American pledge by AASU members. AASU sponsor Kenneth Webb followed with a prayer. Member LaKesha Edwards of Paris gave the welcoming statement, informing the audience about AASU. She and Palmore then performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" for the audience. Paris student and club President Porsha Gunnishaw gave a reading on African American achievements in history. She was followed by the Rev. Derrick Perry, of Oak Hill Baptist Church, who delivered a motivational talk called "Keep Hope Alive." Perry outlined the acronym HOPE. He asked the students to Honor God, as well as their father and mother, to have Obedience for yourself and your children to the laws of the land and of the Savior, to Persevere to find inner strength from love and Christ, and to Endure, as the race is not to the swift and strong but rather to those with endurance. Treasurer Dyshanna Jones, from Texarkana, delivered the wrap-up, and AASU members joined her to recite the AASU motto: "The life I live identifies me. What I produce justifies me. Who I influence can testify of me. Therefore my tree is known ... by the fruit I bear!" AASU is open to all PJC students who wish to promote awareness and mutual respect for the contributions and concerns of persons of African American heritage. The club participates in campus activities, attends cultural functions, and develops special ethnic-related programs. For more information, contact sponsor Kenneth Webb at 903-782-0433.