- February 18, 2025
The African American Cultural Society of Palm Coast presented its 22nd annual Youth Black History Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 16, at the AACS Cultural Center in Palm Coast.
Through dance, poetry, monologues, dramatic skits and song, 14 young people ages 4-18 presented stories ranging from the ancient civilization of Kemet to African American culture and its enormous influences on American society.
Najee Monroe, in his final year in the Youth Black History program, served as the master of ceremonies. Monroe has stayed engaged in the program even after moving to the Kissimmee-St. Cloud area several years ago, said Melba McCarty, Youth Black History program committee member.
Imani Guillory, Sterling Taite-Headspeth and Aaliyah Reese — the youngest students — presented their trilogy, “My History.” Sheldon Headley, a member of Matanzas High School's Blue Steel band, presented a video performance of Blue Steel in honor of his Trinidad heritage.
Headley also guided a virtual tour af ancient Kemet as a historical point of entry for African heritage and culture. Key African concepts of Sankofa and Maat were described by Tamara Brown, Steele Sword, Caden Williams and Brianna Durry.
Houston White vividly described challenging situations and events from 1865 through today showing the urgent need for change to bring social justice for all people. To magnify the theme, “We are the Change We Seek,” White, Tamara Brown, Nyla Reese and Briana Durry were featured in a skit entitled “Change Makers,” characterizing several personalities whose lives inspired and influenced positive systemic change in our society.
Aminah Taite-Headspeth portrayed the character and music of Mahalia Jackson. Ashley Harrison, a senior at Matanzas, spoke about her perspectives of change citing personal examples of her journey from fear of change to embracing it and taking actions to make a positive change.
Other performances included vocalist Jaiyse Williams of Jacksonville, the Flagler County NAACP Youth Choir and the Youth Liturgical Dancers of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast.
Harriett Whiting chaired the Youth Black History program committee.
