The 28th Annual Unveiling of the Jacksonville Black History Calendar was presented to the public last week in the Jacksonville Public Library auditorium. The auditorium was filled with over 500 students, parents, educators and legislators eagerly awaiting the calendars unveiling recognizing the educational contributions to African American History and the city of Jacksonville.
A timely keepsake for Black History Month, the calendar also serves as a vital resource and inspiration to celebrate black history year-round. This year’s calendar is titled, “The Crisis in Black Education”. The 2017 Jacksonville Black History calendar is dedicated to the innumerable educators who have impacted the lives of student. The calendar focuses on issues, strategies and programs that address a serious topic that affects every citizen in Duval County.
“Education has always been a vital component of life to Africans and their descendants. The crisis in formal education encompasses truancy, low reading scores, undeveloped writing skills, poor articulation, overcrowded classrooms, poor funding, low teacher pat and more. We must take back our children and train them up the way they should go,” said Edward Waters Professor Dr. LaKeia N. Anthony.
This year the Black History Calendar committee recognized Jax native son Coach Nathanial Washington. Coach Washington served as a coach and educator in the Duval County Public School system for 35 years. “This is more than an honor. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to teach and educate students to become independent and have the opportunities the world has to offer,” said Washington.
In addition, the annual Black History calendar pairs’ exemplary Duval County Public school students with the monthly profiled educator to engage student’s experiences whether generational, personal or educational. Calendars are available at your local Burger King Restaurants and Jax Public libraries. For more info visit www.jaxpubliclibrary.org. Pictured l-r is Burger King Franchise Owner Bill Thompson, calendar co-creator Dr. Brenda R. Simmons-Hutchins, Ph.D., and calendar profiled educators: Dr. Sandy L. Robison (PHD, FSCJ, Executive Chair, School of Social Behavior and Health Sciences, North Campus/Nassau Center President), Crystal Lewis (Principal, New Berlin Elementary), Senator Audrey Gibson, Vincent Hall (principal, William Marion Raines High School) and John Grissett (Director, College Reach-Out Program).
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