By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
Escambia County High School’s Black History program held Friday, February 25, was written, choreographed, directed and performed by students.
The program started with remarks by Jeremiah McDougle, followed by the ECHS Concert Band performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The concert band then performed “Glory” as scenes from Bloody Sunday were shown on a screen.
The program’s theme was two-fold Black History IS American History and Celebrating Black Excellence. It was indeed an opportunity for students to showcase excellence with this presentation.
They performed eight skits. Writers, directors and choreographers are listed with their skits. Harriet Tubman – Ty’kelui Frye and Aniya Stots; Harlem Renaissance – Chloe Dawson and Ariyana Young; Jesse Owens – Willie Walker; Brown v. Board of Education – Hasten Dean and Shamirica Rankins; Claudette Colvin – Elijah Thomas; “I Have a Dream” – Darron Nichols; Barack Obama and Kamala Harris – Racquel Knight; and #BlackLivesMatter – Ty’kelui Frye and Aniya Stots.
Members of the stage crew were Carmelo Turner, Ty’Anthony Dailey, Tripp Bouler, Mason Huggins, and Kaliyah Brown.
In charge of lights and sound were Willie Walker, Aniyah James, and La’Asia Henderson.
Members of the ECHS Choir were Shamirica Rankins, Darron Nichols, Shameshia America, Ariyana Young, Tenya Brown, Hayla Weaver, Isabella McGee, Anthony McCants, and Taniyah Etheridge.
Actors and narrators were Jykeria Wilson, Elon Seaye, Elizabeth Mitchelle, Ma’Nyia Savage, Dylan Grimes, Anthony McCants, Jeremiah McDougle, Kameryn Carter, Shameshia America, Mr. Mize, Daniel Gunaca, Nykeria Staples, Jakailah Etheridge, Si’Mya Sims, Brandon Bartley, Hasten Dean, Isabella McGee, Darron Nichols, Tenya Brown, Racquel Knight, Anyia McCants, Zachariah Harris, Shontia Martin, Hayla Weaver, and Ariyana Young.
The program concluded with the ECHS Choir performing “You Are My Strength” with soloist Darron Nichols.
The last performance was “Help Us to Love” by guest soloist Diamond Washington, accompanied by the ECHS Choir.