H.O. Brittingham delivers final Black History program in old building

H.O. Brittingham Elementary's last Black History performance in school's original building went off like a bang Feb. 23, highlighted by a recitation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech.

“This is the last program in this building,” said event coordinator Bevelene Holloman to a rousing audience of grade schoolers. “Next year we'll be in the new building.”

Fifth-grader Adelle Trumbauer was one of several students who put together a video featuring famous quotes by African Americans. Her slide featured Olympian Wilma Rudolph who said, “Never underestimate the power of dreams.”

Other students paid homage to Rosa Parks with a catchy rendition of “Sister Rosa Parks,” a song by the Neville Brothers.

Students sang and danced to the performances, but students really came to life when ventriloquist Ken Huff took the stage with his sidekick Mr. Goodwood.

Starting out with a conversation about fast food, Mr. Goodwood had the kids rolling with a few well-timed bathroom jokes.

“Every time I go there I get the same thing,” Mr. Goodwood said. “What's that?” Huff asked.

“Diarrhea,” Goodwood replied to gales of laughter from the audience made up of kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

A few more jokes later, students were ready for a more serious note when the Rev. John G. Moore Sr. took the stage to recite a part of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I have a dream” speech and also a part of King's “I've been to the mountaintop” speech – his last before his assassination in 1968.

Moore complimented students for their good behavior during the Black History program.

“We have a room of about 400 students, and I thank them for how many are so quiet and courteous,” he said.