Black History achievements
EDIE ZUVANICH Special to the Press
“Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.”
Lines from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem, echoed through the hall and set the tone of the event as attendees of the Black History Month Banquet joined voices in song Feb. 3.
To some, Black history will always call to mind a period of atrocities against one large population of Americans by another, but to the speakers at the banquet, it also signifies a sense of community and an indomitable spirit.
“What makes me proudest is our ability to show up for each other, to show up in love and be here in the community, and being open to people of all colors joining this celebration,” said Nakevia Miller, vice president of the Dickey Museum and Multicultural Center board. “We are turning a corner in how we serve our community and everybody is invited to join us. I am looking at every opportunity to create unity and collaboration among all organizations and all individuals who want to be involved.”
Miller, who organized the event, said the local African-American community continues to grow and achieve.
“We take this opportunity to identify Black individuals and Black-led organizations who have been doing good work in the community and just giving them opportunity to show up and shine,” she said.
The event recognized three life-long Taylor residents who made special contributions over the past year in education, community service and business leadership.
Yasmina Carter was named as the excellence in education honoree. Carter has been a teacher with Taylor Independent School District for 15 years. She said she is currently putting together a Black history show to be performed at Taylor High School.
Shareeta Fairley of Braided Faded Crew received recognition as the excellence in community honoree. Fairley and her organization give free haircuts and braids to kids going back to school and is dedicated to community service.
Teri Williams, owner of The Melanated Apothecary, was named the excellence in business honoree.
“I wanted to see more people that looked like me in the health and wellness spot,” Williams said of her inspiration to start her own company. “I’m not a size two. I like to eat. And, there was nobody that looked like me, there was nobody that had my shape working out, there was nobody that had my shape doing yoga and there was nobody that had my skin tone taking care of my skin. So, I went and got licensed to be an esthetician and now I help other people who look just like me take care of their skin.”
Miller referred to the honorees as history makers, a theme expanded on by keynote speaker Dr. Jesse Rivers of Huston– Tillotson University, a historically-Black university in Austin “I’m passionate about Black history. I think a lot of people question why there’s still a need for it, and there’s a need more than ever to understand Black history,” he said.
Rivers discussed achievements by Black people throughout the history of the United States that are not widely known outside of the Black community, as well as touching on the political climate affecting Black people.
“I did not bring up these points to make us victims, but to show that our history matters and must be shared before it is lost or reshaped to fit the wrong narrative. The light from our history is that today we exist and stand out,” Rivers said. “Yes the future is bright, but the road continues to be dangerous.”
Photo by Edie Zuvanich
