By Pete Vasquez
Pvasquez@cherryroad.com

The City of Alice and surrounding area was invited to learn more about and celebrate the fullness of Black experiences. 142 people attended the Black History Delegation’s Black History month celebration at Coastal Bend College-Alice campus Saturday, Feb. 8.  

There was plenty of Black history and education on hand that has always played part in this annual event. As they went through the pages of history, what was found was resilience and strength to fuel present hopes for future success. 

Guest speaker Denina Nash Griffin made a historical speech that moved those that gathered for the celebration. Griffin’s powerful and influential speech showed the range of what Black Americans have had to go through from then to now. From the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement.  

The Black History Delegation was presented with a proclamation from Alice Mayor Cynthia Carrasco and the City Council earlier in the week. The Alice Native Americans presented the delegation with a statue on the day of the event. 

The delegation started this program back in the 80s with the intention of informing the City of Alice about the variety of Black influences across the country that range from music, agriculture, education and politics. 

The Alice High School Jazz Band performed at the event under the direction of Director Omar Garza.