Wesley Ray Elementary held a Black History program on Feb. 22, with the theme “Moving Forward —Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

The program consisted of a skit about Harriet Tubman, a solo by William Mickens (custodian), and a presentation of the poem “And Still I Rise” by Patrice Brumfield (parent). Nizoreia Moses (parent) treated the audiencec to some interesting facts about Nigerian Attire, as she modeled an authentic Nigerian ensemble for all to enjoy.

The students presented the achievements of various African-American “history makers” from yesterday and today.

The history makers of tomorrow were all presented by the Wesley Ray Elementary student body. The Spirit Dancers from New Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Varnado performed an inspirational dance to the song, “Take Me To The King.”

Keatha Franklin, a behaviorial interventionist, gave those in attendance the history of some of the African-American trailblazers in our local communities.

Speech pathologist Jarvis Harry led the audience in the singing of “Lift Every Voice,” as Tim Duncan, a school bus driver, accompanied him on the keyboard.

The highlight of the program was the presentation of the President and Vice-President of the United States and their wives. The audience stood to applaud as President Barack Obama (Jarvis Harry), First Lady Michelle Obama (teacher Cashanda Nichols), Vice President Joe Biden (Daniel Keaton) and Dr. Jill Biden (Sarah Kuhn) took center stage to greet everyone present.

Four secret service men (Jaylon Lynch, Zeke Humphrey, Ladarrick Smith and Dameon Roberts) were present to maintain security for the presidential party.

The Varnado High School Blue Angels dance team performed the closing song, “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand” for the presidential party.