by Jennifer Boone
Monrovia/Duarte Black Alumni Association held their 3rd Annual Black History Celebration in a new location at Monrovia United Methodist Church. The tragic death of Whitney Houston still very deep in our hearts. This was a very sitting location in the church where so many of us have been nurtured. The spontaneous nature of the master of ceremony, Ralph Walker set the event on a lively pace. Sometimes steering away from the program.
Various chapters of Monrovia’s history was told. Speaker Mrs. Eunice Lisberg spoke about the Brown vs. Board of Education. She noted that Monrovia had the first case Milton Smith v.s. School Trustee. Larry Walls shared the connection between Duarte, Monrovia and Durock. He also talked about how Duarte School District was not segregated. Above all of that J. Howard set the tone with a heart felt rendition, “Everything Must Change” as the crowd applauded with a standing ovation. His daughter, Christina Howard followed with a solo. Richard Brown took us all back to the “The Way We Where” and evoking laughter and clapping from the audience. Richard also emphasized how everyone loved, cared and watched out for one another’s children. Edison Global Energy Services also attended the event.
The audience was sprinkled with elected officials, Lois Gaston, the Major, Mary Ann Lutz, City Councilmen, Larry Spicer, Steve Baker, City Council Treasure and Monrovia Historian. New Beginnings Youth Group sung update spiritual songs. Shaiyanne Perry, Rosa Parks recitation and Kaiya Mason, Madam C. J. Walker who invented the pressing comb. Lailah Spicer brought the spirit of Rosa Parks as she told why she refused to give up her seat on the bus and how she sparked a movement that was led by Doctor King, Montgomery Bus Boycott that lasted 366 days. Nightingales Choir rang through the church with “We Are One Voice and We are Not Alone as the audience joined in with the choir. Kenneth Fowkles, talked about the first black woman, Toni Morrison who received Nobel Peace Prize. President Elois Hart gave closing remarks. Over 100 people attended the event.
Dr. G. Carter Woodson launched Negro History Week in 1926. He picked February to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass Birthday. In 1972 it was changed to Black History week, and then in 1976, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed it as February Black History month. Another chapter opens up with Hazel Parker’s Homegoing which will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Douglas and Zook in Monrovia. She touched many Monrovian souls in her lifetime.
-Photo by Jennifer Boone