Black History Month: Following the "First" Footsteps

Whenever most people celebrate Black History Month, their minds immediately travel to the street marches of Martin Luther King, the Underground Railroad of Harriet Tubman, the bus ride of Rosa Parks, or the presidential trail of Barack Obama. African Americans have been on the move for years, advancing their race in all areas of American service. The theme of this year's Black History Month is Black Migrations; however, in Scott County, one only has to travel down the street to find African American accomplishments.

The Forest Public Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB) in partnership with the Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation is presenting a Black History Month program at the library on Tuesday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m. The event for all ages includes a program compiled by Constance Slaughter-Harvey entitled THE FIRST: Legacy's African American Accomplishments in Scott County. On display will be the amazing artwork of Rev. Allen Cooks with a focus on local African Americans. The teens will assist with crafts and activities for children, and refreshments will be served after the program.

One of the highlights of the program will be a Jeopardy-style game entitled I AM THE FIRST. The challenge is to name the Scott County African American who achieved a "FIRST" accomplishment. Here are some examples of the first achievements:

I am the first African American Circuit Clerk elected in Scott County. Who am I? 

I am the first African American female graduate of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Law School. Who am I? 

I am the first African American in Scott County drafted by the National Football League in 1994. Who am I?

I am the first African American county-wide elected official -- Tax Assessor, 1997. Who am I?

I am the first African American female Forest Police Department Employee (31 years). Who am I?

Migration is defined as the movement of people from one place to another, requiring that the migration start over or begin anew. The Scott County African Americans who achieved the firsts listed above blazed new trails. Their migration did not require them to move to new locations, but rather to create new paths within their own community and county. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."  Journey with us on Tuesday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m., as the Forest Public Library follows the footsteps of these far-reaching Scott County African American "firsts".