(Left) Members of the Central High School Ensemble perform. (Right) Program attendees Debra and Bobby Rich Jr. Moore’s daughter and son-in-law. (Far left) Hazel Moore. Bottom left (from left) Tajuan Stout Mitchell, Greg Coy, Fred Jones and Art Gilliam. (Bottom right) Abundant Grace Fellowship Outreach Coordinator, Arnest Martin, and attendees of the 2019 Academy for Youth Empowerment Black History Program, “Remember, Educate, Celebrate,” stand as the Central High School Ensemble sing the National Negro Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” at the annual event. The program, which began at 3 p.m., opened with Abundant Grace Fellowship Outreach Coordinator, Arnest Martin, providing the program’s purpose and welcoming address. Whitehaven High School senior, Diamond Lockhart, followed with the introduction of Tajuan Stout Mitchell, who in turn introduced the event’s emcee, Greg Coy, anchor with WHBQ Fox Channel 13 in Memphis. Edward McBride III of Soulsville Charter School gave an impressive invocation and five members of the Central High School Ensemble featuring seniors Julian Cross and Nate Westbrook, juniors Amber Ingram, Whitley Johnson, Rekiyah Owens, Jasmin Power, and Stephanie Rolfe; and sophomore Carmen Edwards gave a standing only rendition of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The honoree spotlight introduction portion of the program followed. White Station High School senior, Torriq Williams introduced Mr. Gilliam, and Whitehaven High School freshman, Chris Bartley, gave the introduction for Mr. Jones. Both men graciously took the stage to speak and accept their individual awards. Aria Battle, a sophomore at City University School recited the poem, “Phenomenal Woman” afterwards. The program closed with historic depictions of Ida B. Wells-Barnett given by Jerica Nelson, a sophomore at Westwood High School; Barbara C. Jordan given by Jordyn Davis, a senior at Hamilton High School; Carter G. Woodson given by Jayshun Hall, a freshman at City University School; and Benjamin L. Hooks given by Spencer Fleming, a junior at Freedom Prep High School. Another musical selection was provided by the Central High School Ensemble and Hazel Moore took the stage to thank those in attendance for supporting our youth and provided additional closing remarks to end the annual Black History Month program and event. Photography by Tyrone P. Easley by Tyrone P. Easley 7
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