A Hernando County group will emphasize recent achievements of local residents.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published February 6, 2004
SPRING HILL - As with a precious jewel, members of the African-American Club of Hernando County find beauty in the different facets of their culture.
Celebrating that culture will be the focus during the club's black history observance on Saturday.
"This is an opportunity for our club members to appreciate all the positive impacts African-Americans make in our community," said Charlene Johnston, spokeswoman for the club.
About 150 members and nonmembers are expected to gather for the event at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road. It will feature vendors selling African clothing, presentations by youth and religious organizations and a soul food buffet.
"We can only better our community by taking part in as many different types of activities as possible," Johnston said. "This showcase allows us to highlight our strengths and talents while celebrating our sense of unity."
The theme for this year's event, "Celebrating the Year of the African-American Family," lends itself to displays highlighting the recent achievements of Hernando County residents and their families, Johnston said. For example, in one display, her 15-year-old grandson's recent trip to Antarctica to study the terrain and the weather will be featured.
"Only one student was chosen from each of (New York's) five boroughs to go on the trip, so it was quite an achievement," said Johnston, a New York native. "A lot of our children and grandchildren are doing things that are interesting, and we are, too."
A group of club members has come together to form the Janet Moses Players and will perform a one-act comedy, Happy Ending, by Douglas Turner Ward.
Director Janet Moses said the idea for such a group surfaced after she took a trip to a senior center in Harlem, where amateurs put on top-quality shows.
"I had an idea that it would be good to do something different for the annual (Hernando County) festival," Moses said. "By offering different forms of entertainment, we reach more members of the community."
Saturday's celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs until 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for club members and $10 for nonmembers. Seating is limited; reservations are preferred. For information, call 686-7175, 683-9763 or 688-5340.
- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
Black History Month highlighted by events
Feb. 13-15 - The Janet Moses Players will give free performances of William and Ellen Craft, a one-act play by Georgia Douglas Johnson, at the Stage West Community Playhouse Forum, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m.; the Sunday performance is at 2 p.m. Call 683-5113.
Feb. 29 - The Janet Moses Players will give a free performance at noon of William and Ellen Craft, a one-act play by Georgia Douglas Johnson, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. Call 683-2010.
Through February - The Wal-Mart Supercenter on Cortez Boulevard in Spring Hill will have a display of important contributors to black history.
- To have Black History Month events included in this list, mail information to: Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613. Information may be faxed to 352 754-6133. Send e-mail to hernando@sptimes.com
