KENT LAKES- Black history is American history, and on Saturday, 100 men, women, and children crowded into Arts on the Lake in Kent Lakes for Putnam County’s 5th annual Black History celebration.
Organizer Linda Paris described Putnam’s celebration as “extremely important due to the county’s low minority presence. It’s essential for us to be seen as members of one’s community and not just as people who moved in and are interlopers. We are integral parts of our community, and we relocated to Putnam in order not to become isolated.”
Paris reminded the gathering: “This year marks the 100th anniversary that Black History is being celebrated. Back then Calvin Coolidge was President who was a big proponent of the ‘negro’ people. President Coolidge was also a large donor to Howard University in Washington, D.C.”
Paris’ goal in life is to have Black History included as a module for people to gain their citizenship in the United States.
Paris also had a message for the county’s six school systems: “If children don’t have a parent at home who opens up the world for our next generation and if districts are not teaching children curriculum containing a multi-cultural focus, our celebrations can fill in the gaps and answer questions without becoming confrontational.”
Following an opening prayer led by Ixmucane Pereira, acknowledging the land, County Historian Jennifer Cassidy greeted the gathering by congratulating Paris and her committee for continuing the annual event: “It continues to grow and we are very grateful to have you here.”
State Senator Peter Harckham attended his 5th celebration recognizing America’s Afro-American population.
Harckham said “too often Black History is not taught in our schools somehow being viewed as separate and apart. The contributions of Black Americans are deeply entwined with all of the issues of the United States. This must be taught as well as the systemic barriers that exist today.”
Comments