‘Lest We Forget’ honorees spotlighted at awards’ program

23rd March 2015   ·   0 Comments

By Charmaine Jackson
Contributing Writer

Someone once said that the only constant is change. When Black history is observed is no exception.

Just one day after Black History Month, St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church proved celebrating Black history does not have to be confined to a singular month. Reverend Dr. Melvin C. Zeno, a retired judge of the 24th Judicial District, and First Lady, Margie Zeno, welcomed church members and visitors to remember revered African-American leaders, history makers, and traditions from the past to present-day.

First Lady Margie, a retired educator, was especially committed to working with the Youth and Young Adult ministries for the program because she says there are few opportunities for African-American children to learn about their history. She added that the school system limits or excludes Black history teachings in the classroom

For this reason, the program’s theme was: “Lest We Forget,” inspired by scripture Deuteronomy 32:7, which states, “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will show thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.”

The first presentation was a history in review titled, “Tell the Children Lest They Forget,” in which the youth presented brief biographies about African-American pioneers, both living and deceased, whose names or achievements are widely known, such as General Colin Powell, Langston Hughes, and Dr. Mae Jemison. Those who are not as popular but whose achievements and contributions helped open closed doors and sparked innovation were also presented, with some participants dressing up for their roles, including Dr. Charles R. Drew, a surgeon and medical researcher known for creating a safe system for transfusions of blood plasma and civil rights leader and activist, Fannie Lou Hamer, who played an instrumental role in registering African Americans to vote.

Negro spirituals “Steal Away to Jesus” and “Troubles of the World,” were performed by Deacon August Daggs and Pastor M.C. Zeno, respectively. While the songs were often sung by enslaved Blacks to express their hardships, they also conveyed messages of hope for freedom. In addition, a skit called “Talking Hats,” highlighted the tradition of wearing hats, especially in the church. According to First Lady Zeno, the skit was partly inspired by Michael Cunningham’s book, Crown, in which he explores the significance of being an African-American woman and wearing a hat and what it revealed about your personality, as well as socioeconomic status. Participants in this portion of the program included some of the youngest church members. They treated the church aisle like a runway, as they donned many styles of hats. Afterwards, brothers Alfred and Troy Salvant did a mime performance to pay tribute to Eric Garner.

Rev. Zeno and First Lady Margie selected 10 “Torch­bearers,” who were honored and awarded a plaque for being the first African Americans to serve in a leadership capacity. Rev. Zeno said he and his wife each wrote out a list of individuals to be honored and when they came together to deliberate, their lists were similar, so it made the decision making easier. They both wanted to honor more people, but due to time restraint, committed to 10.

The chosen ‘Torchbearers’ for 2015: Honorable Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, First African-American Chief Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court; Hon­orable Marc Johnson, First Afri­can-American Judge, Lou­isi­ana Court of Appeal-Fifth Circuit; Honorable Chief Judge June Berry Darensburg, First African-American female Chief Judge, 24th Judicial District Court; Glenn Green, First African-American Councilman, City of Westwego; Cedric Floyd, First African-American President, Jefferson Parish Public School Board; Michele Blouin-Wil­liams, First African-American Superintendent, Jefferson Parish Public School System; Doris Pitts, First African-American Librarian, Jefferson Parish Public School System; Attorney Kyle Mark Green, First African American from Jefferson Parish Louisiana House of Repre­sentatives; Pastor Donald R. Jones, First African-American School Board Member and Councilman, Jefferson Parish; Leo Jones, First African-American Councilman, City of Gretna.

“It’s an honor to be honored because the people of the community elected you to be the first. A lot of times when you hear about the first, there’s a little pressure because you want to do a good job. I want to do a good job to make my community proud,” Honorable Marc Johnson stated.

This article originally published in the March 23, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.