Colbert-Rosenwald Museum celebrates Black Excellence Day
The Black History Program Committee organized the Black Excellence Day Program, led by LaDonna St. Julian-David, Lynda Young, Tracy Love, Ingrid Miller and LaTonya Gaines-Mallet. Contributed Photo
The Black History Program Committee organized the Black Excellence Day Program, led by LaDonna St. Julian-David, Lynda Young, Tracy Love, Ingrid Miller and LaTonya Gaines-Mallet. Contributed Photo
DAYTON — The Colbert-Rosenwald Corporation held its third annual Black Excellence Day Program, Celebrating Black History Month, while honoring the legacy of the Colbert High School Marching Band.
The program was held on Saturday, Feb. 24, and celebrated “African Americans and the Arts,” highlighting the band that performed in the 1950s and 1960s. Dr. Travis Young, DISD Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was the master of ceremonies.
Young also gave an overview of the progress and growth of Dayton Independent School District under the leadership of Dr. Jessica Johnson, Superintendent. He spoke about the ongoing work to make DISD among the top-rated districts for accountability.
Among those featured on the program were the Dayton High School Drumline under the leadership of Christian Castillo, DISD Director of Percussion and the Beaumont United High School Dynamic Step Majorettes under the leadership of Brittany Stelly-Guillory, Director.
Colbert’s band members during that era were recognized for their contributions to the success of the music program at the high school. They were given the opportunity to briefly share their experiences with the audience.
Susan Moore- Fontenot, Lee College Board of Regents Vice Chairman, officer for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and previously an elementary student of Colbert, was guest speaker and shared some significant milestones in the history of Colbert High School Band during the 1950s and 1960s.
She informed attendees of the previous band directors for Colbert High School. Mr. A. Robinson, Mr. Wilson, Mr. V. Moody, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. S.L. Julian.
The Keynote speaker, Charles H. Lewter, IV, Dean of Chapel & Assistant Director of Student Engagement at Prairie View A & M University, and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., delivered an inspiring keynote message about the achievements and contribution of African Americans.
James Grays, president of the Colbert-Rosenwald Corporation and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., presented awards of appreciation to members of the corporation who had worked diligently to maintain the prominence of the museum and preserve its legacy.
Those awards were presented to Diane Paul-Louviere, previous president and historian of the Colbert-Rosenwald Corporation; Alpha Wright-Henderson, former Colbert High School teacher from 1957 to 1968 and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; and Betty Maxie-Woods, Colbert band member from the 1960’s and currently a band instructor for Dayton ISD.
Others who were instrumental were recognized posthumously.
Fraternities and Sororities from some of the nearby HBCUs were on hand with displays, memorabilia, and information concerning their local chapters.
Special thanks to the “Tiger Events Committee.” It was a festive, celebratory event with vendors, food trucks, door prizes and entertainment for the kids and adults, and it drew a sizable crowd. The Corporation is looking forward to presenting this event annually and has other projects and fundraising events coming up for scholarships, community involvement and celebrations.
The museum, located at 231 South Colbert St, Dayton, is open for touring on the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.