“I need you

You need me

We’re all part of God’s family”

Participants in the Central High Museum-sponsored Black History Month program Saturday at Randolph-Henry High School in Charlotte County spoke aloud the lyrics listed above with keynote speaker Dr. Kitty Smith.

The lyrics reflected the program’s theme of celebrating African-American people, both locally and nationally, and coming together to recognize resilience shown by people of color and to understand the importance of unity. The program focused on what still needs to be done to achieve equality and representation in public office.

Dr. Maurice Finney, a retired educator and pastor of St. Andrews and Aspen Hill baptist churches, prayed during the event.

“Through your fortitude, through your guidance, through your direction, through your power, this race of yours was able to withstand, to move forward when everything seemed to be against them,” Finney said. “With you all things are possible if only we believe.”

The program included selections by Blessed Few, a memorial prayer and candle lighting for community members who have passed away and readings about notable African-American people by Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) students Randi Steen, Aylunnah Elam, Jasmine Jackson, Maya Scott and Shannel Steen, led by Prince Edward County School Board Chairman Beulah Womack.

Smith spoke about her experience as the first African-American woman with several government organizations.

Smith, who pastors Oak Grove Baptist Church in Buckingham County, noted that she received support from people of different racial backgrounds and spoke about unity as breaking through hatred and division.

“If there had not been those who had wanted to work together, our country would not be what it is today,” Smith said.

Smith praised the Central High Museum in Charlotte County for its efforts to showcase the area’s past and future.

“This museum is established so we can acknowledge and respect where we came from, but use what we went through as a stepping stone to go to the next level,” Smith said.

She noted the importance of diversity in offering opportunities in her life.

“There are so many firsts: Kitty Smith was the first National Director of Women’s Affairs with social security. Kitty Smith was the first black to receive an award at the Kennedy Center. Kitty Smith actually met with Patricia Nixon in the White House. But in every instance, it wasn’t just Kitty.”

“When we can get to the point as a nation as a group of people that we celebrate mankind,” Smith said, “when we celebrate brotherly love, when we can look beyond the color of a person’s skin and see the love in their heart, there is no telling what we will accomplish as a nation.”