Celebrating The History Made And The History Gained

Prince George’s Proud: Roots to Royalty Black History Month Program



By Kia Lisby // Photos By Amir Stoudamire

“It’s especially an honor to be here to continue our tradition in the Prince George’s County Council of not only celebrating Black History Month, but this year we are celebrating Prince George’s by showcasing our talent in the county and having also our first female county executive as our keynote speaker,” said Prince George’s County Council Chair Todd M. Turner as he presented the welcome Feb. 19.

It’s part of another longstanding tradition.

Over 100 years ago, Black History Month began its origin. In Feb. 1926 writer, historian, and “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week. His goal was for schools to educate students on the history and traditions of the black community.

The program was filled with passionate performances, speakers and other messages as the council presented its 15th Annual Black History Month Celebration.

Honorable guest speakers included Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Pastor Anthony G. Maclin (The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square), Calvin S. Hawkins, II, (Vice Chair, Prince George’s County Council), Todd M. Turner (Chair, Prince George’s County Council) and many more.

Local talent from dancers and students contributed to the celebration, Dynamic Moves (Upper Marlboro) performed two dance pieces with inspiration from modern, African, and other genres of dance. Edified Christian Preparatory Academy Performing Arts students presented songs, dance and powerful messages starting with the affirmation: “I’m Black and I’m Proud.” Students shared their thoughts on black history through a video presentation.

With all the glitz and glamour throughout the program, a dynamic message from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks was presented. Alsobrooks recapped the origin of Negro History Week which later became Black History Month, identified brave heroes in history such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman and touched on some of the many successes of African Americans in Prince George’s County.

Alsobrooks said “we are not only leaders in the state of Maryland, but we also happen to be history makers” as she continued to mention appointing the new Fire Chief Tiffany Green. She is “the first woman to have been appointed to be Fire Chief in our county, but she became only the ninth African American woman in the history of the United States to serve as Fire Chief.”

She also mentioned how Prince George’s County has “wealth creators” and that this county “holds the title of the most affluent African American jurisdiction in the nation” reigning us in the “top wealthiest percent of the wealthiest counties in the nation.” Alsobrooks said “the roots of our past have grown into the royalty that we see today,” as she explained that the community is where it is today because “roots” were planted from the struggle and perseverance of ancestors.

Segregation and other obstacles like it didn’t hinder the ancestors from finding their own towns within Prince George’s County to help support and provide African Americans with opportunities. She continued by mentioning “North Brentwood, which was the first African American incorporated town in Prince George’s County in 1924. Then came Fairmont Heights in 1935,” followed by a more rich history, knowledge and inspiration that helped build Prince George’s County, Md.

A full video of the presentation and the performances can be made available upon request at https://pgccouncil.us/