Longmont community group 'honors greatness' in Black History Month Celebration

Feb. 28—The Black leaders who helped build America have stories that can only continue to inspire those who hear them.

Sharing that history was one of Madelyn Strong Woodley's goals during Saturday night's Black History Month Celebration. Strong Woodley is the founder of the Executive Committee for African American Cultural Events, the Longmont community group that hosted the free virtual program, inviting people to celebrate Black culture and learn about history in honor of Black History Month, which runs through February.

Boulder Mayor Pro Tem Junie Joseph spoke during the group's inaugural event, emphasizing that Black history is American history.

"It's important to celebrate Black history now more than ever, because the great diversity within our communities needs the glue of African American pasts to remind us not just how far we've come, but how far we still have to go."

Joseph challenged people watching the program to take action in the name of social justice. She encouraged people to start small, whether it's reading a book, starting a conversation or seeking out educational resources.

In line with "honoring greatness," two Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented.

Charleszine "Terry" Nelson, the senior special collections and community resource manager for the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in Denver, was recognized for her work to preserve and promote African American history.

A challenge Nelson said she faced was bringing to the surface the history that had been buried.

"History tells us where we were and what can be done in the future," Nelson said. "We should celebrate those things that are positive accomplishments. We see plenty of the negative. It gives our children a look at a positive future and things they can improve upon and change. That's what keeps community and society going."

Warren Washington, a Boulder atmospheric climate scientist who has been internationally recognized, was also presented with an award. Warren is a senior scientist in the Climate Change Research Section for the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Climate and Global Dynamics Division. Washington, in collaboration with Akira Kasahara, is one of the first developers of groundbreaking atmospheric computer models, he said during the program.

Honoring the greatness of Black leaders is a theme that will persist in the group's presentations, Strong Woodley said.

"It's an opportunity for the community and for citizens to become knowledgeable, educated about African American contributions that have served to form this country," she said. "We hope to bring everyone together with understanding and more appreciation for each other."

Throughout the program, the Rev. Nathaniel Black sang songs. There were dance performances, as well as a special presentation of photographs of the Civil Rights Movement taken by photojournalist Ernest Withers. Withers' photos are expected to be shown at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder early next year.

The Executive Committee for African American Cultural Events, formerly known as the Dr. Martin Luther King Planning Committee, has been helping to create community events since 2005. Strong Woodley's sister Glenda S. Robinson spearheaded the effort, which Strong Woodley took over in 2010.

Strong Woodley said the group is working to create more educational events throughout the year that will celebrate Black history and inspirational leaders. The group's mission is to educate, celebrate, pay tribute, create solidarity and serve, Strong Woodley said.

During the program, people were encouraged to support the NAACP Boulder County branch, the United Negro College Fund, an American philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for Black students; and Mental Health Partners, a behavioral health center for Boulder and Broomfield counties.

Strong Woodley said the Executive Committee for African American Cultural Events plans to host a virtual event on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth, which celebrates the ending of slavery in the U.S.

When asked in the program why she believed celebrating Black history was important, Nelson said:

"Here is the time to talk about, 'Yes, we can,'" Nelson said. "Here are examples to talk about what we have done and contributed not just to the African American community, but all of history."