The national celebration of Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history. This year, the City of Thomasville is once again working with community partners to celebrate our local history. According to event organizers, 2020’s celebration will include online trivia contests, a parade and other community celebrations.
“Black History Month is intended for the community to come together to celebrate the history and achievements of our African American community that have had a hand in making Thomasville the city that it is today,” said Sherri Nix, Public Outreach Manager.
This year’s national theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Vote”. It will celebrate and remember the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment (1920), the culmination of a decades-long women’s suffrage movement, which resulted in the prohibition of states and the federal government denying citizens of the United States the right to vote on the basis of sex. The theme also honors the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment (1870), prohibiting the federal government and states from denying any citizen of the right to vote based on “race, color, or previous servitude.” Lastly, the 2020 theme acknowledges campaigns for equal rights, the rise of African American elected and appointed officials at the local and national levels, along with their roles in traditional and alternative parties.
Thomasville’s local celebration will kick off with a weekly trivia contest to be posted on the City of Thomasville’s Facebook page. Trivia questions will be posted every Monday and Tuesday beginning on February 3rd, with answers and winners announced every Friday. “We are excited to celebrate this year’s theme, “African Americans and the Vote,” along with national and local black history in an interactive fashion,” said Nix. “This year we will also partner with the Thomasville Times Enterprise, WPAX, WTUF and WHGH to help share knowledge about African American history.” Nix said that the Times Enterprise will feature weekly puzzles focused around Black History. “Readers are encouraged to fill out the puzzles and return them to the Times Enterprise office by 5:00 pm on Thursdays for a chance to win prizes.” Winners will be drawn at random from the entries. WPAX, WTUF and WHGH will announce daily trivia questions thru the air waves.
The highlight of the month will take place on Saturday, February 8th with the City’s 2nd Annual Black History Month parade and celebration, scheduled to begin at 10:00 am. "This year's Black History Month Parade and Celebration is sure to be a stand out event,” said Madison Eaton, Special Events Coordinator. “We anticipate a large parade turnout with an expanded number of floats and parade participants. Following the parade, we will have a full afternoon of fun in The Ritz Amphitheater, ending with an outdoor concert by the G&S Experience Band.”
“On behalf of the Black History Celebration Committee, we are honored to announce Mr. Jack Hadley as the parade Grand Marshal,” said Eaton. “Mr. Hadley has spent a lifetime educating our community and visitors about the history and culture of African Americans both locally and nationally, preserving and commemorating the lives of many so that their voice is not lost nor forgotten.”
“It is an honor to serve as Grand Marshal,” said Jack Hadley, owner of the Jack Hadley Black History Museum. Hadley, who initially respectfully declined, is touched by the committee’s selection. “While I believe others in the community deserve this honor, I am happy to serve and help the local community and to teach the youth about our proud history. It is a very important month for me, and I believe there is a hunger for this type of history. We must carry on the legacy of our history.”
Following the parade, the community celebrations will continue with local entertainment showcased at The Ritz Amphitheater. The lineup of entertainment kicks off with an inspirational performance by Khabriyah Cunningham, followed by the tunes of the Thomasville High School Band. Chiara Richardson will follow with her riveting performance of “Igniting Harriet – A Living History Performance”, a first point of view storyline of the courageous Harriet Tubman. Scott Elementary School will continue the day with excerpts from their upcoming 19th annual Black History Show. The afternoon will culminate with an exciting performance by the G&S Experience Band. All events are free of charge and open to the community.
“We welcome everyone to join us for a fun day of celebration at The Ritz Amphitheater,” said Eaton. “It will be an afternoon full of activities for the whole family. The Black History Month Parade and Celebration is a multifaceted event that brings our community together for commemoration and fellowship. None of this would be possible without our planning committee and volunteers.”
For more information on the City’s Black History Month celebration, contact Madison Eaton at 229-227-4136 or visit Thomasvillega.com.