By Delanda S. Johnson/Henderson County Black History Committee
On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Henderson County Black History Committee will host its Annual Scholarship banquet. The event will take place at the Malakoff Community Center in Malakoff at 7 p. m. Ticket price for this event is $20 and can be purchased from any HCBHC member or purchased at the door.
There will also be door prize giveaways which includes such things as: Texas Ranger tickets, weekend getaways to three different casinos, hotels getaways to Austin, and this is just to name a few of the prizes. Raffle tickets are: $2 each and six for $10 (contact 903-489-2329 for more information).
This year there are 22 students from throughout the county who will be receiving the scholarships.
The speaker for the evening will be Ms. Victoria Holmes-Gordon who is currently employed at Texas College located in Tyler as faculty and Student Advisor for the Business/Social Science Department. She teaches Business Administration and Business Management courses in the Texas College SUCCESS (Non-Traditional) Adult Program. Ms. Holmes-Gordon has obtained two Master degrees in the area of Science/Management, M.S. and Arts/Leadership and Management, M.A. She uses her education to help students understand their personal brand image based on a building a reputable reputation towards being competitive in the job market.
Ms. Holmes-Gordon is passionate about serving the community. She has served as Past President for Rose Toasters, Toast Masters International, Tyler; served on 3-N-1 Trinity, Inc. Committee, Tyler; served on the Women’s Longview Day Youth Scholarship Committee (Chair), Longview; served on Planning Council and Black History SANKOFA Theater Play committee for Texas College, Tyler; received her Women’s Business Leadership of Dallas from HIM International, Inc. Dallas; she now serves as Board President/CEO of Faith & Pure Outreach Ministries, Inc. (owner/founder); Kilgore; serves T.A.P.4Education (Tyler Area Partnership 4 Education) committee, Tyler and serves as a member of the Youth Advisory Group (Workforce Solutions East Texas), Tyler.
Ms. Holmes-Gordon has one daughter, Yvonne Si’mone and she is also a licensed local preacher at Mt. Pleasant Christian Methodist Episcopal where she serves under the shepherd leadership of Rev. Richard Tennison located in Kilgore. Ms. Holmes-Gordon will continue her studies to become the first member of her family to obtain a doctorate degree in the year 2021.
So as we prepare for the HCBHC scholarship banquet the students has to complete essays as part of their scholarship application. To give you an insight of how each students characterized the theme for Black History Month, here are quotes from each student:
Robin Polk–Trinidad: “I’m proud to be apart of such a legacy, rich history–a legacy that has encouraged our people to become leaders full of resilience, passion, and drive for a better future. For young and old alike to have their voices heard so that we, who are alive today, may live free in a country equal for all. To those who fervently fought for what they believed and for those who stood by their vows to see that this world could be a better place for all mankind–WE HONOR YOU.”
Corinne Earnest–Athens: “When I think of “Pressing On” I automatically think of our lives. In every humans life we go through obstacles, but its just the matter if we continue on through the struggles and not giving up on what we are striving to do. When I think of Hallowed Ground, I think of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sacrificing his life for the hopes and dreams of black and white to achieve their goals.”
Candace Clemmons–Athens: “Pressing On while it can be very difficult to do sometimes, is crucial in life. You must sometimes forget the past to move forward to the future. Hallowed Ground reminds us of African Americans events that throughout all of the struggles and pain, Africans Americans clung tightly to their faith in the LORD. They knew that God had a bigger plan in mind and that they need only to trust HIM.”
Megan Mitchell–Athens: “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worked with a number of civil rights and religious groups to organize the March on Washington for jobs and freedom; a peaceful political rally designed to shed light on the injustices African Americans continued to face the country. This is the legacy of Hallow Ground.”
Courtney Hancock–Cross Roads: “As we look back across American history, it is simple to see that African American history is deeply implanted in our past. African American museums teach the culture and history of life for African Americans through the years. The history of African American education proves that without the advances and knowledge that these individuals shared, our education system would not be where it is today. The history of the African American military shows outstanding acts of bravery and boldness. Without the riots, battles, and wars, America would not be what it is today.”
Chelsea Hall–Cross Roads: “To me the sub-theme fits perfectly with the National theme. My favorite line is Philippians 3:15 which states “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things, and if on some point you think differently, that too God ill make clear to you.” Which hit home to me because I feel it is basically saying who are mature will finally see the path clearly. In other words that one line fits so will with the theme because African Americans have fought hard for the freedom they have today and their path is clear as a whole.”
Cortney Grimes–Athens: “Rosa Parks took a stand for her own being, which is why I truly look up to her. We can remember her for her bravery; reminding people of what she stood for; her bravery sparked a fight for civil rights. She led by example and the world will continue to remember and honor a leader who took a stand by taking a seat.”
Jayde Robertson–Athens: “The National theme this year “Hallowed Ground: Sites of African American Memory” reflects on change that African Americans made in America’s history. Rosa Park who stood her ground by not giving up her seat. Others like Malcom X, Harriett Tubman, Booker T. Washington, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., if is was not for them we would not be able to get along with others, and we would continue to make it harder for African American to do whatever they want to do to be very successful, and to continue to rise, extend and show that world that we can do many things if we put our minds to the test.”
Titana Johnson–Athens: “The history of African Americans unfolds across the canvas of America, beginning before the arrival of the Mayflower and continuing to the present. The National theme and the Sub-theme focuses on historic sties scattered across the country still standing, to refresh our memories on the struggles that African American’s endured and ultimately overcame. They serves as a reminder of the obstacles this country faces and as a testament to the human spirit.”
Allison Hardin–Athens: “Believe in life! Always human beings will live and progress to greater, broader, and fuller life,” a quote by W. E. B. DuBois. This quote exclaims the importance of working together to advance to considerable successes. At the age of 14, I was diagnosed with Melanoma. But look at me now, I am Blessed; I am a Survivor. I believe God does not give us anything we can’t handle. This idea of “Pressing On” is very important in my life. Black, white, yellow, etc., we need to recognize and take advantage of our MOUNTAINS.”
Grant Hirsch–Athens: “Pressing On is more that just a sub-theme, it is the core of our idea relating to the historical moments in history that the African Americans suffered through slavery and took it in their own hands and did something about it. Even to this date and maybe for the rest of days, the press will never quit as the strive is stronger now than ever. African Americans people once had to hope for the best, but now they can wake up and have faith knowing that their culture will stand the test of time and gain the respect of others.”
Emma Womble–Athens: “I’m off and running and I’m not turning back.” “This translation of Philippians 3:14 from the Message Bible is a good description of the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His famous speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” recall events of his life and his hope for the future. He encouraged everyone to have a “kind of dangerous unselfishness” and to “move on in the powerful days, days of challenge.” For you see King ran the race that God set before him and he ran it well and never looked back. Note that the fight against injustice today continues because of the path that King first ran.”
Jonvante Hornbuckle–Trinidad: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree,” quoted Dr. King. This statement planted a seed in my life. I saw my grandmother struggle working at low paying jobs trying to give her family the best that life had to offer. Seeing that taught me a hard lesson about reality and made me want to work harder in life at making something out of myself. So when it comes to education and sports; I wanted to rise above and beyond.”
Mardella Sparks–Malakoff: “This fight for equality of educational opportunity (was) not an isolated struggle. All our struggles must in together and support one another…We must remain on the alert and push the struggle farther with all our might. Without education, there is no hope for our people and without hope, our future is lost.”
Da’Korian Dowell–Malakoff: “Although I’ve begun to face some of the hardships in life, I will continue to push forward and remain focused with my success. I’m realizing that the trials are only here to distract me from reaching my best ability. I’m going to claim my success in the world because through the works of God I can do that. I plan to continue my education after high school and pursue my abilities and make my parents proud.”
LaPorsha Trimble–Malakoff: “The bible verse from Philippians 3:13-15 lets us know that we have to forget the things that are in the past and focus on our future. In life anything is bound to happen and throughout these circumstances we should not get sidetracked from our goals. We must trust God and live life with joy, peace and harmony as much as possible. I thank our ancestors for their inspiration and support as I press toward the mark of building my life through their legacies that paved the way for me to pursue higher education and career opportunities.”
Kendon Williams–Malakoff: “It is so important that we preserve the rich history that has help to shape our lives; to remember all of the efforts of some many of the African American great men and women that pressed through many struggles, adversities, and obstacles to give us the freedoms and rights we have today. As I embark on my journey, filled with pressing situations, I will remain confident with what I have seen in history and will take the trip knowing that my ancestors paved the way.”
Madelaine Walker–Malakoff: “In biblical verses Philippians 3:13-15, encouragement is found to inspire those who are facing hardships to persevere. That verse has been helpful in instilling the determination to endure in African Americans throughout history. Despite having to be forced into slavery, fight unappreciated in many wars, and deal with having a separate higher educational institute formed years after several other universities were formed, African Americans have been able to still find the hope to needed to achieve.”
Aijioun Dixon-Thomas–Malakoff: “Many African Americans have been through a lot, many of us have seen things that will scar us for a very long time. But the one thing that we all have in common is that we have learned to endure and to press on. In order for us to press on, we must first be committed to letting God take control of our life. We must be eager in expecting and hoping that God will give us the spirit of being unashamed. God wants us to never look back because He knows that what is ahead is a lot better than what we went through in the past.”
Kiana Reed–Malakoff: “To me the scripture Philippians 3:13-15 means you do not want to forget what has happened in the past, you want to use it as a learning experience, you want to use it to look forward and prosper in life. Harriet Tubman was a strong and brave black woman. A one person army who fought for what she believed in and did not stop until she accomplished her goal. “
Trey Jackson–Malakoff: “I would like to lead and Press On through my music. To instill the vision that no matter what color you may be or the goals that you set for yourself, know that if you keep God First; you can achieve. Encourage others to strive for their dreams, but most of all encourage yourself; let nothing separate you from God. In our rich history our ancestors paved the way (Hallow Ground) and Pressed On for us; so now let us leave a legacy (Hallow Ground) and Press On for our future generation.”