PHS celebrates Black History Month with program

Philadelphia High School hosted a Black History Month program centered around the theme "Holding On To Excellence.” 

The program began with a slideshow showcasing classroom doors decorated by students, illustrating their contributions to celebrating Black History throughout the month. 

The crowd then joined in harmony with everyone singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson and led by Bre’lon Tanksley, before five winners of the school’s poetry contest were selected to read their poems, receiving recognition and prizes.

The five poetry winners were Chloe Hunt, Braylon Tanksley, Lakeelah Willis, Jah’Zarria Griffin and Terra Marshall.

Philadelphia Mayor James A. Young served as the guest speaker, delivering a speech on the theme of excellence, and the program was accompanied by uplifting music from the Philadelphia Choir, featuring lead soloists Makayla Triplett, Breland Hunter, and Aubree Hudson, with songs like "Father Can You Hear Me" by Tamela Mann and "Lift Me Up" by Rihanna.

Tesha Crouther had the honor of recognizing people of excellence from Philadelphia and special presentations were made by PHS Homecoming Queen Nayla Arnold and The Beta Club.

Those honored were Henry Ossawa Tanner, Jennie Louise Van Der Zee, Alton Mason, Madame CJ Walker, Rev. A.C. Rush, Montgomery Moore, Bobbie J. Jackson, Evonne Boyd, Ella Smith, Dr. Shannon Whitehead and Rev. James Young.