Onslow County Parks and Rec to hold first ever Black History Month celebration
Onslow County Parks and Recreation will be holding its first ever Black History Month celebration later this month.
The celebration will take place on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the old River of Life church, located at 1940 Gum Branch Road in Jacksonville, according to a Thursday news release from Onslow County Parks and Recreation.
The release said the celebration will feature live entertainment including saxophonist Drew Clements, Suah African Dance Theatre, spoken word by Emmanuel Gaines and Nathan Hand, history brought to life by literature teacher Kellie French, Gentlemen of Quality led by Mr. Rodney Johnson, dancing by Lawanda Hand, Zeca School of Technology and Arts Children’s Drumline and a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Rhonda Fonville.
Onslow County Parks and Recreation will also be presenting the "Because of You, We Can" award to three honorees.
The release said the inaugural awards will be presented to Judge Paul Hardison Ret., who was the first African American Chief District Court Judge for the Fourth Judicial District; Mrs. Diana King Barnes for her efforts to ensure equality for all; and to the Montford Point Marine Association for preserving the legacy of the first Black Marines.
“To celebrate Black History Month by bringing our diverse community together is what this event is all about and we are excited to create this new tradition in Onslow County," said Recreation Program Supervisor LaQuesha Cadwallader in the release, adding the event will be full of fun and reflection.
The release also said there will be food, vendors, trivia and prizes and the celebration is sponsored by Amy Goss-Guild Mortgage and Green Clean Auto Spa.
For more information, or to find out how to be a vendor, contact Onslow County Parks and Recreation at 910-347-5332.
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@jdnews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Onslow County Parks and Rec to hold first ever Black History Month celebration
