Annual Black History Month celebration honors local traditions

To conclude the month of activities and learnings, employees were invited to attend a celebration event with a soul food buffet from Africa, Jamaica and the United States. Honored guests for the event included representatives from the Museum of Shenandoah Valley, Winchester City Vice Mayor John W. Hill, last year’s featured speaker Pastor Banabus Sewell and local artists Carmen and Ray Crawford. The choir sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and “Rise Up,” including an instrumental interlude where the poem “Our Deepest Fear” was shared.

Keynote speaker Winsome Earl Sears challenged attendees to rise and become – not to allow fear and self-doubt hold us back. Lastly, Nick Powers from the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, presented the work of local artist, Robert L. Cross, including a history of his family.

As our community and employees celebrate together, we can create a stronger connection with the areas in which we live and work.