John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
Since the days of American historian Carter Godwin Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, black history has been celebrated in some shape or fashion, annually in February.
Beginning with the 1926 launch of Negro History Week, a precursor to what we know today as Black History Month, the annual observance has grown into more than just a remembrance of pioneers
On the chilly morning of Friday, Feb. 28, students of Greenville Elementary School (GES) filed into the gymnasium to pay homage to Black History Month and to honor the pioneers and leaders who have called the Greenville community their home for years.
Words of wisdom by Tabitha Brown, Ziya Riggins and Vince Coley; as well as a performances by the GES flag teams and a musical selection by Jamari Crumity and Ms. Katina Young, echoed through the walls of the gymnasium before honors were bestowed upon educators, entrepreneurs and citizens alike. Some received a posthumous award in honor of a late loved one who has passed into eternity. Prior to the recognition of the honorees, student Jayce Johnson read an excerpt, titled "Black History is not just for black people."
The first to be recognized was Ms. Shirley Joseph, appointed Superintendent of Schools in October of 2019 by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. A long-time educator, Joseph was selected as the Madison County School District's Teacher of the Year in 1999-2000. She has served in many other roles such as instructional coach, principal and district administrator. Joseph was in attendance to receive the first education award.
The late Rev. King David "K.D." Wilson was designated as a pioneer during the assembly, with the posthumous education award received by his daughter, Barbara Lake. Rev. Wilson served approximately 36 years as an educator at New Mt. Zion Church school and in Greenville public schools. Principal Geraldine Wildgoose stated that Rev. Wilson understood the importance of a sound education and ensuring a place to learn for children. "Because of his contributions and dedication to education, four generations of his family, as well as countless other young people, have been blessed with the opportunity to attend local school and further their education and knowledge," Principal Wildgoose added.
Working with Rev. Wilson for some time, the late Frank Meritt, Sr. served as an educator in the Greenville community for over 40 years; namely at the Greenville Training School and as principal of New Mt. Zion Church school. Meritt was honored for his hard work and dedication to the schools of Greenville and the posthumous education award was received by his granddaughter, Candida Akins.
At 82 years young, Peter Young knows no need for a GPS and is considered a permanent fixture in the Greenville community. Bus driver Young, who was presented the school-related personnel award, served approximately 30 years working for Buckeye Cellulose, now known as Georgia-Pacific, in Perry. Currently, Young honors his position faithfully and is on time every single day to transport students to public schools across Madison County. "He knows the students and he knows the families in the Greenville community," said Principal Wildgoose. "Most of them consider him family."
A citizenship award was presented to Ms. Matilda Thomas, a long-standing figure in the community of Greenville for being a matriarch to a loving, spiritual and talented family, as described by Principal Wildgoose. Ms. Thomas was the first registered voter out of Greenville and was one of the first African-Americans to buy land and a home at the age of 19.
Following, a political action award was posthumously bestowed upon Major Cobb Jr., former mayor of Greenville. Cobb was honored in 2009 as an unsung hero for his service in the Korean War. This honor was given during the 20th of May celebration. Cobb is recognized as the first African-American mayor of Greenville and served numerous years as a member of the Greenville Town Council. Cobb was instrumental in securing grants to improve local homes and city sewage in Greenville. Cobb's son, Donald, accepted the plaque in his honor.
Just months after a Greenville road was named after him, Odell "Poncho" Livingston Sr. was remembered at GES' Black History Month program on Friday, Feb. 28. Livingston was known for his role as police chief of Greenville Police Department. "He was a kind person who made a difference in his community," said Principal Wildgoose. "He led the charge and set the tone for ensuring that Greenville is a safe haven for the citizens that reside here."
Livingston's son, Odell Livingston Jr., followed in his father's footsteps and currently patrols as a traffic enforcement deputy for the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Livingston Jr. was applauded as he accepted the posthumous award for his father.
Additionally, the late Clifford Brown was honored with the entrepreneurship award. Mrs. Brown was instrumental in the beginning of Greenville Community Preschool in 1981 and operated a local beauty shop in the community. Brown's posthumous award was received by her great-niece, Natasha Peacock.
Finally, GES' own Joi Collins Rains was honored with the community involvement award. Rains is a teacher at GES and recently became the first African-American to be crowned during the Miss Madison County Pageant in February. Aside from teaching, Rains is the coach for the GES flag and dance teams and previously served on the Greenville Town Council. Rains received her award with an uproarious applause from the on-watching community of students and her colleagues.
The program concluded with a choreographed dance to "Luxury," a song of an album called "Afro Percussions" by Jonatan Szer. The dance, choreographed by Mrs. Joi Collins Rains, was performed by Shyneiria Demps, Antaniyah Lee, Zakaria Bryant and Amari Sears.