Keynote speaker connects hope, history of anthem to future 

WYE MILLS – Members of the Chesapeake College community gathered in person once again for the annual celebration of Black History Month.

The 2023 luncheon, sponsored by the Chesapeake College Multicultural Advisory Committee, raised $2,850 for the J.C Gibson Memorial Book Scholarship Fund at Chesapeake College. The scholarship was named for Mr. Gibson who was a longtime employee of Chesapeake and dedicated to student success.

Over the last 35 years, the scholarship has helped economically disadvantaged students buy books and supplies.

In his keynote address at the luncheon, Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management Kamari Collins said the Civil Rights movement anthem Lift Every Voice provided an appropriate, inspirational theme for the event.

“Lift Every Voice represents the hope and resilience of Black people,” he said. “The song is full of hope and faith, then moves into the difficult history. It also shows the ability to persevere.”

Mr. Collins told the audience he is grateful for the work of prior generations toward equality and social justice, and added that there is still more work to be done. Each person, he said, has a responsibility to continue the courageous work of earlier civil rights advocates.

“I ask each of us to consider how we can each do our part to lift every voice,” Mr. Collins said.

The event invocation was delivered by Rev. Nancy M. Dennis of St. Stephen’s AME Church in Unionville.  The Youth Praise Group from Iglesia Evangelica Emmanuel in Easton performed a liturgical dance. Friends in Faith and Chesapeake student Isaiah Robinson provided musical selections during the event.