"The Saga of the African American Cowboy" is the theme of a districtwide Black History Month program at the Southwest Campus on Friday, Feb. 28.
The roughly 2,000 students and parents expected to attend are encouraged to dress in their best County and Western attire. The celebration will include a special presentation by Ms. Mollie Stevenson, a multicultural pioneer and a member of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth.
Ms. Stevenson has been recognized for her work in educating the public about the important roles of multicultural settlers in Western history and her family's own ranching legacy. She founded the American Cowboy Museum on her family’s Texas ranch to highlight the role of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and women in the West.
There also will be a presentation by the Buffalo Soldiers.
To start the program, the students will say the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of the Negro National Anthem. Dr. M. Annette Cluff will deliver the superintendent's message.
A tent will be available in the case of inclement weather. However, the forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of 69 degrees and no chance of rain. Lunch will be served from 11:05 a.m. to noon and the program ends with a staff Zydeco line dance.
Nurse Anna Medina of the Northeast Campus is the show's producer and George Theriault from the Southwest Campus will be the master of ceremony.
Varnett will have eight buses available, six for students and two for adults. The first 90 parents who arrive at East and Northeast campuses will be able to ride over to the Southwest Campus. Other parents will be asked to drive or arrange their own transportation. "We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause. However, we are looking forward to having each and every one of you here to celebrate with us," says a district statement.
During the event, representatives from Texas Children's Health Plan will distribute information about medical assistance for children as well as backpacks, rubber bracelets, T-shirts and other souvenirs. They also will provide dental information in care packs and material related to health and nutrition. All items will be free.
Photo: Ms. Mollie Stevenson, Jr.
by Gerald E. McLeod
Ms. Stevenson came to Varnett in 2010. Click here for story and photos