"I Am Black History": Library boosters hold annual program

The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·2 min read

Mar. 30—VALDOSTA — At the end of February, Southside Library Boosters, Inc. hosted their Annual Black History Month Program. This year's theme was "I Am Black History," providing an opportunity for the community to reflect on the contributions of outstanding community leaders.

This year's program was sponsored by Pepsi of Valdosta at the newly renovated McMullen-Southside Library, 527 Griffin Ave.

Community members who have made a significant impact in the Valdosta community were recognized and honored during the program. The honorees over the years through their resilience and persistence have supported the community financially, through educational support and programs, served as mentors to those young and old, and have faced social and racial challenges, but have worked to make a positive difference in the community, the library boosters said in a press release.

The program included music by the Valdosta Early College Academy (VECA) Chorus under the leadership of Jennifer Tooley and members of the Valdosta State University "Spoken Word" Society, and Dr. Beverley Richardson-Blake served as mistress of ceremony.

Each honoree was presented with a crystal plaque, a vase of roses and other Black History tokens by PEPSI General Manager Doyer Deloach and Michael Anderson.

The honorees included the Rev. William Clay Morgan of the Genesis Bible Institute; Antonio Harrington of Harrington Funeral Home (financial supporter); Gregory Powell of the Harley Langdale. Jr. Foundation; Carlos Hundley with Advancing Valdosta, Inc. for creation of the after-school tutorial program; Councilwoman Vivian Miller-Cody, Southside Library Booster supporter; Zipporah McBurrough, founder of Sincerely Sisters, Inc. mentoring program; Kelley Saxon with South Georgia Homeless Taskforce; Erica Hill Miller with QUOLA Soup Kitchen; Aaron Winston Jr. of Reach Two Valdosta Mentoring Program; and, Councilwoman Sandra Tooley, founder of the South Street Community Care House.

The evening concluded with a Southern style take-home dinner for each program attendee.