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Independence community celebrates Black History

Independence Celebrates Black History Month Committee Chair Alvin Smith speaks to attendees about his growing-up years. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
February 21, 2024

The Independence community near Long Neck hosted a Black history event for residents and their guests Feb. 17 at the clubhouse ballroom.

The Independence Celebrates Black History Month Committee of the 55-plus community sponsored the multiracial and multicultural event.

The Black history event focuses on African American contributions to the arts in the areas of music, dance, theater, visual arts, history and public service. Guest speakers were Rep. Estella Parker Selby, D-Milton; Bernice Edwards, executive director of First State Community Action Agency; Jerome Houston, a representative of the Buffalo Soldiers; along with the Indy Dancers and Choir, and actors from the Possum Point Players. More than 125 residents attended the event.

“The first Black history celebration was an extraordinary event to experience and participate in,” said committee member Carl Cherney. “Joining together to sing ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ as an opening and closing with ‘We Shall Overcome,’ the event echoed the historic struggle encountered by African Americans throughout the course of American history. The goal of this inaugural event was two-fold, to educate and celebrate. Educating others about the accomplishments of African Americans in all walks of life, learning of African American experiences and conditions in Sussex County, and celebrating the diversity of our community.”

 

Independence Celebrates Black History Month Committee member Carl Cherney acts as emcee for the event.
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club member and historian Jerome “Skip” Houston stands next to the display of 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldier Capt. Francis A. Chun.
Attending the event are (l-r) Jerome “Skip” Houston, Stell Parker Selby, Bernice Edwards, Alphonso R. Stevenson Jr. and his wife Wilhelmina.
The Indy Choir sings “Wade in the Water.”
Bernice Edwards, executive director of First State Community Action Agency, speaks about the good things the agency is doing for the community.
The Indy Swing Dancers entertain attendees at the event.
Singing the tune “Hold On” are (l-r) Warren Campbell, Susan Mosley and Alvin Smith.
Sarah Jackson presents Alvin Jackson with a certificate of appreciation from the Independence Celebrates Black History Month Committee.
Rep. Estella Parker Selby, D-Milton, speaks about growing up in Sussex County and going to the two-room schoolhouse shown by Carl Cherney.
Sarah Jackson gives the invocation.
Alvin Jackson presents Bernice Edwards with a certificate of appreciation from the Independence Celebrates Black History Month Committee.
Alvin Smith proudly displays a Tuskegee airman pin loaned to him by an airman.
The event closes with attendees singing, “We Shall Overcome.”
Alphonso R. Stevenson Jr. addresses the crowd.
A Buffalo Soldiers display.
The Possum Point Players’ Dreamers United perform a dramatic skit.
Jeanne Walsh, president of Independence homeowners association, offers closing remarks for the event.
Jerome “Skip” Houston, a representative of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, speaks of the valuable information given by the group.
Nikki Zangwill, center, sings “Wade in the Water” with the Indy Choir.

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