Brooklyn Steffon performs spoken word poetry at “Our History: Telling it like it is," a celebration of Black History Month. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Shamira McGee, a member of the COA dance troupe, performs a praise dance. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Pharmacist and community leader Lester Carter begins the program by reflecting on his past. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
The black history program featured poems, stories, performances, dramatizations and recounts of important historical moments. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Miss Cierra's 6- to 8-year-old students sing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Donidra Turner (center) receives congratulations from her friends after performing "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
King Kamonzi from Zulu Nation engages the audience with a spoken-word performance about public health and street violence. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Ardene Stokes (left), Georgianna Peterson and Gene Hutchins, longtime Amani residents, share their experiences with the audience. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Ajamou Butler from Heal the Hood performed drum music and two spoken-word pieces. Butler is a poet, motivational speaker and community advocate. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Students in Miss Ashley's 9- to 10-year-old class perform a poem about Harriet Tubman, one of more than 20 performances during the event. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Gene Hutchins explains why the election of President Barack Obama is important for black history. The painting was created by community resident and artist Quan Caston, with the help of five COA students. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Patricia Bridges, NOVA High School dean of students, leads the audience in a song. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
More than 100 people attended “Our History: Telling it like it is,” a celebration of black history and the 53206 ZIP code at the Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St. The event was hosted by COA Youth & Family Centers, which focuses on early childhood, youth and community development.
Heal the Hood, the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Dominican Center for Women, NOVA School and COA were among the more than 20 organizations participating in the performances.
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Local artists, students celebrate Black History Month with performances
by Wyatt Massey, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
February 20, 2016
