'Nurturing one another is imperative for the lives of our youth.': History program at Cotton Club
People learned Swahili and the history about leaders who made a difference in society during a Sunday (Aug. 27) program led by Alachua County youth.
The Susie Long Women's Missionary Society of Mount Olive AME Church hosted its African American history program at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, 837 SE Seventh Ave.
The theme of the program was “Filling the Heritage Gap.”
Children in the Young People Division of the church led the program, which was coordinated by Stephanie Whittle.
Cynthia Mingo, president of the Susie Long Women's Missionary Society, was the host of the event. She shared some facts about Africa and the countries in the continent.
During her presentation, she shared how Algeria is the largest country in Africa, Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa, and the most traveled African country is Morocco.
“The event was a success because it met the objectives I’ve set,” Mingo said. “I want them to be aware of their heritage and get them interested in talking to their grandparents and encourage them to sit with them.”
There were historical accounts about Alachua County history from Ralph Jackson, Gloria Welch Bethea and Gloria Atkins.
“There is beauty in our culture,” Jackson said. “Nurturing one another is imperative for the lives of our youth.”
Jackson talked about growing up during segregation. He attended A.L. Mebane school from kindergarten through eighth grade and is a fifth-generation Alachua County native.
There were living biographies recited by participants who shared the history of Benjamin Banneker, an African-American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer and almanac author; and Madam C.J. Walker, an African-American entrepreneur, philanthropist and political and social activist.
Walker is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Keturah Acevedo, the dance instructor for the students, thanked the audience for giving the youth the platform to learn their history and share it with the community.
“It’s good to have a place to present heritage and culture for future use for our children,” Acevedo said.
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There was a history lesson from Jacob Gordon, Ph.D., president of the Alachua County African and African American Historical Society, Inc.
Gordon talked about migration periods in world history which affected the African Diaspora and shared why it is important to remember where you came from.
“Don’t be afraid of where you come from” Gordon said. “If you are, you will be a tree without roots.”
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Church hosts history program at Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
