Black History
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

The names of some American heroes - Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson - along with some Texas heroes - like Houston, Austin and Travis - are easily identified.

In part, they are so identifiable because they are taught in American and Texas history classrooms throughout the state. But many others making great contributions to society are largely ignored because of a variety of reasons. Among those reasons is they were Black.

In honor of Black History Month, the Boys and Girls Club of Wharton is hosting a Black History Program today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited.

As part of the preparations for the program, the teen members of the club were encouraged to make posters of significant figures from Black history. The people portrayed in the posters ranged from civic leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to athletes like Jackie Robinson to some of the greats of science such as George Washington Carver.

Among those that will be featured is Malcolm X, who was chosen by Marquis Wilkins. The teen said once he started his research, he connected with the political activist.

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson Learning history by creating a poster for today's Black History Month program at Boys and Girls Club of Wharton, Marquis Wilkins decides which photos to use on his project while Natalie Allen and Cameron Melta help with prep work. Wilkins selected Malcolm X for his project because he could identify with the historical figure's early life.

"I have someone I can look up to," Wilkins said.

"We both have red hair so that was some thing in common and he had problems with authority figures early in life and I had some problems before joining the Boys Club."

As a Christian, Wilkins said he had some problems with Malcolm X's Islamic preaching but could admire him for what he accomplished.

"He changed his life by becoming religious and while a Muslim, I looked past that to see a man who helped lead some blacks out of poverty and oppression. You have to admire that."

Wilkins said learning some history is inspiring him to study further.

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson Learning about breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, from left, Timothy Mills, Jonathan Garza and Brandon Galabeas work on a poster of Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson for today's Black History Program at the Wharton Boys and Girls Club.

"It's important to learn history because that helps you understand the way the world is today," he said. "There is still criticism and hatred in the world base in part on color. We have to learn as a people to look past color but still recognize the past. If we don't, it could mean someday we'll be back where we started."

Several of the students said they learned a few new facts about their past while others admitted they tried not to learn anything. But according to Teen Advisor Cheryl Lynn, even those working at not learning were not immune to picking up some information.

"I was surprised how active they were with the poster project," Lynn said.

"A lot of the students really took the project and ran with it. And some are learning some just by accident because history's being discussed.

"Some are learning a lot," she said. "There are parts of the past, like the Underground Railroad, they had no idea of just a week ago. And for them to succeed, they need to know what has been accomplished in the past and how far we've come as a race."

The featured speaker for today's program will be Wharton Police Capt. Richard Coleman, with Cherry Manning serving as the mistress of ceremonies. The Boys and Girls Club "Storm" drumline, cheerleaders, "Shine" praise dance team and Wharton and El Campo Karate teams will perform. Others scheduled to appear include Yvonne Johnson, Billy Bryant, Robert Baylor with the Progressive Church of El Campo, East Gate New Prosperity Church, New Faith Church of Wharton and Candace Productions.

Immediately following the program food and refreshments will be served in the public use areas, game room and gym.