The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Youth take the stage during black history event
Celebration at church includes many facets
HAMDEN — Cassidy Morgan, 13, put on a suit and eyeglasses Saturday night and displayed prisoner number 7053 to portray one of her favorite civil rights icons.
Cassidy transformed into Rosa Parks during a Black History celebration at Mount Zion Seventh-day Adventist Church, and also recited meaningful quotes from Parks that Cassidy memorized. Her favorite among them was “Stand up for something or you will fall for everything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”
Morgan said, “We wouldn’t be able to do what we want now if she didn’t stand up.
The 90-minute program Saturday was centered around youth in the church, but attended by people of all ages.
The program Saturday featured representations of other historical civil rights figures, monologues, songs — including the black national anthem — and youth praise dancers.
As part of the religion, which celebrates the Sabbath on Saturday until sundown, those afternoons are always focused on the youth.
But this one, a tradition, is always special because the subject is dear to many.
“It’s important for the youth to understand the salvation of people also resides in our actions,” said church member Dianne Spence.
Spence said it’s important for youth to know the history of the struggle because they learn, “If they did it (achieved) in a difficult time, we can do it.”
Robin Gordon’s daughter, Kira, 11 is among the praise dancers.
“I think it’s important because it’s a positive outlet,” she said of the dancing that was part of the program.
The dancers, who practiced intensely for the program Saturday night, performed to John Legend’s song, “Glory,” the lyrics to which speak of the civil rights struggle.
The lyrics say, in part: “Justice for all just ain’t specific enough.
One son died, his spirit is revisitin’ us.
Truant livin’ livin’ in us, resistance is us.
That’s why Rosa sat on the bus.
That’s why we walk through Ferguson with our hands up.’’
Church member George Morgan Sr. said he’s not only proud of his daughter, Cassidy, but all the other youth as well.
He said it’s important for the youth to know black history.
“Lest you forget from where you come, you’ll be driving aimlessly without a set destination,” Morgan said.
Of the program Saturday evening, Morgan said, “It makes you appreciate the journey and each other. It’s a testament to what tolerance and deep-rooted faith in God can produce.”