The Windy City of Chicago is endowed with history!
The story of Black History begins in Chicago during the late summer of 1915.The state of Illinois sponsored a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of emancipation. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History, envisioned the need to gather detailed information about the progress and contributions of Blacks. Exhibits and message boards were displayed at the coliseum, the site of the 1912 Republican Convention. A crowd of between 6,000 and 12,000 people waited outside for their turn to view the exhibits.
Not thousands but hundreds of Russellville High School students gathered last month in the auditorium for this year’s annual Black History Program, and another RHS graduate was returning to his alma mater to tell his story of success. Byron Graham, a 1993 graduate who played football and engaged in other extracurriculur activities while walking the halls of RHS, was excited to come home.
Born in Tharptown, Graham was proud of his upbringing and work ethic. He was a history maker himself by being the first Black head basketball coach for Florence High School. Time has moved forward, and now he is the athletic director for Florence City Schools. As athletic director, Graham oversees the school’s sports programs. He has experienced both wins and losses as a coach and can connect with the youth.
Coach Graham knows the importance of helping encourage the youth to do their best as athletes and in the classroom. In his speech, he told the students that they will have to make tough decisions in life but that with a little guidance from their teachers, the results can be positive. He gave honor and respect to Dr. Murphy and Mrs. Pace, who imparted a world of knowledge into him and helped guide him along the way.
Graham selected education as his major while attending the University of North Alabama, because Dr. Murphy told him that as a Black male in education he could go places and do great things. Mrs. Ramona Robinson agreed to be a reference for him because she knew his capabilities. As a graduate of Athens State University, he was glad that Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream, and because of his dream Coach Graham could stand at the podium of RHS. Many retired teachers had deposited golden nuggets into him and pushed him forward. Although he was determined and dedicated, he dreamed of a better life for himself.
“Sacrifices had been made by so many great and talented people before me,” Graham said. “You should always treat people fairly, and this can help open up doors for you. Don’t see color. Just see people and love them. Be proud of your opportunities, and remember your heritage.”
Jaleesa Escott was the guest poetry reader. Her poem told an intense story of the Negros and some of the things they had encountered dating back to slavery. I was reminded of the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance. One class at RHS is studying the writing of Zora Neale Hurston.
Senior students took lead parts in this year’s Black History Program. Everyone was enthusiastic about presenting their piece of the puzzle to demonstrate a well finished project. Junior classmates assisted with the thank you to RCS superintendent Heath Grimes and RHS principal Jason Goodwin. Kudos to Mrs. Patrice Smith, Mrs. Emily Rush and Mr. Gary McNutt, whose help was remarkable.
Mrs. Sheryl Hamilton, a substitute teacher for five years, recognized a need for a Black History Program and began talking with the principal and the students, and they welcomed the idea. Therefore, on February 22, RHS faculty, staff and students recognized the importance of diversity.
