Black History alive in VMC

By Julie M LucasFebruary 25, 2015

Black History alive in VMC
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Black History alive in VMC
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VICENZA, Italy -- "A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture," was this year's National African American/Black History Month theme. Guest Speaker Vicenza Middle School Principal Stephanie El Sayed maintained the theme during her speech at the observance held Feb. 18 at the Golden Lion.

"One hundred years may seem like a long time ago, but it's really just the blink of an eye," El Sayed said. El Sayed said she received input from her son and students for her speech. Her timeline included speaking about the Harlem Renaissance, desegregation of the U.S. military and African Americans' contribution to music.

"Black music paved the way for styles such as blues, jazz, swing, rock and roll, disco, rap and hip hop," El Sayed said. "Rap music began with kids in the Bronx, angry and upset with life and it is now done in many different countries."

El Sayed spoke about the famous motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" and ended with the Maya Angelou poem "Still I Rise."

"I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise," El Sayed said.

The beginning of the event started with Chaplain Assistant Sgt. 1st Class Naomi Rankins giving a prayer "for all those who have given a hand up to helping others."

A medley was performed by the Vicenza Gospel Choir and the Presidential Proclamation was read by Staff Sgt. Sophia Green-Rowe.

"We reject the false notion that our challenges lie only in the past, and we recommit to advancing what has been left undone," Green-Rowe read. "This month, let us continue that unending journey toward a more just, more equal, and more perfect Union."

Vicenza Middle School students participated in an essay competition and winners were announced with the first place winner, Kenya King, reading her essay.

A heritage dance was performed by June Pineda to the song, "Better" by Jessica Reedy. The event was closed by a food sampling.

The next month's observance for Women's History Month will be held Tuesday, March 24 at 3:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Arena.