You gon’ learn today

“The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of that opportunity.” Alsie Dunbar quoted Leonard Ravenhill in her speech to the students at the Donaldsonville High School Black History Month Program on Friday. 

“It’s so important to know where we come from. That’s the only way we can succeed, move forward and be our best,” Dunbar said, Professional Engineer at Motiva.

The program consisted of students contributing through a prayer by Jaci Andrews, a poem by Kasha Kensie, music by the Donaldsonville Choir, and a performance by the Step Team. The students hosted a game show called, “You Gon’ Learn Today,” designed to test their knowledge of black history.  

Fredrick Williams hosted the game show consisting of contestants and characters.  He asked each contestant a question about an important person in black history.  The contestants, dressed as Queen Latifah, Webbie, Lil’ Boosie, and Trina, each gave an incorrect answer to which the host responded with wrong answer, but “You gon’ learn today!” 

The characters, who presented the correct answers, dressed as Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Carter G. Woodson, and Harriet Tubman according to the answer they presented.  The questions were: Who created the first celebration of African American history which led to Black History Month? Carter G. Woodson pioneered a “Negro History Week,” which later became Black History Month.  Who was the first African American Major League Baseball Player? Jackie Robinson.  Who started the Montgomery Bus Boycott? Rosa Parks.  Who freed over 300 slaves? Harriet Tubman.

Furthermore while the game show focused on the history of Black History, Dunbar spoke about history not only as a point in time but as an ever evolving concept.

“Our history is not only limited to one month.  It’s every day,” Dunbar said. “The people around you, they’re the people that make history in your lives.”

“I was always taught to let my legacy be the driver of my life,” Dunbar said as she relayed several messages to the students.  She also dedicated part of her speech to perseverance. 

“Things have not always been easy, but I never gave up.  And those are my words to you.  Never give up.”