Oaks Christian School Honors Black History Month

March 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Westlake Village, California—Every February, Oaks Christian School (OCS) recognizes Black History Month with a chapel program to honor the historic contributions of African Americans.  

“We want Oaks students to understand the people and culture of African Americans,” said African American Culture Club President Taila Proctor-Jackson at the February 1, 2013, high school chapel.  “I hope my fellow students will fall in love with Black history in the same way I have.”  After a cello duet of “Amazing Grace” by students Mariah Reneau and Matthew Chen, a group of Black students proclaimed, “I am not who you think I am.”  Senior Francis Owusu said that less than 20 percent of Black males graduate from a four-year university, but he refuses to be a statistic.  Francis will be attending Stanford University next fall on an athletic scholarship.  Junior Brandon Dawkins said he looks forward to having a family and being a positive male role model for future African American kids.  Sophomore Brandon Somerville said he refused to let the color his skin come between him and his dreams.  He, too, refuses to be a statistic.  “Unless I’m donating or volunteering, you will never see me in prison because I refuse to become a statistic,” said freshman Theo Howard.  These were emotion-packed words from young African American men who are committed to making a difference and serving as positive role models.

The program featured Pastor David Moore of Church of the Nations in Oxnard and New Covenant Worship Center in Santa Barbara who shared the history of the Civil Rights Movement and specifically, the courage of Martin Luther King, Jr.  He encouraged students to follow Christ’s example by breaking out of the pack to become bridge builders.  Pastor Moore is also the brother of African American Culture Club Advisor and OCS teacher Trina Moore-Southall.  At the February 11 chapel, Monique Green deeply moved the audience when she sang the Sam Cook song, “Change Gonna Come” while a video of African Americans in history was presented.  At this assembly, Taila Proctor-Jackson, Bailey Brothers, and Helen Merricks recited original poetry entitled, “We Are Not Who You Think We Are,” which was written by Taila Proctor-Jackson.  In closing, the OCS high school student body sang the Negro spiritual, “Soon I Will Be Done with the Troubles of the World,” led by soloists Mariah Barnes and Clayton Hibbert.

On February 15, the OCS African American Culture Club members presented a Black History Month chapel for the OCS middle school with many of these powerful performances.