The Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Department of Community Engagement and Equity (DCEE) in collaboration with the Charles County Government, Charles County Department of Health (CCDH), Charles County Public Library and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office hosted a Black History Month celebration on March 4. Held at the Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center, the event date was rescheduled to March due to inclement weather in February.

“I just want to thank staff who are here from multiple agencies in the county,” Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., said as the program opened. “The stories matter of who represents us in this county and who leads in so many aspects.”

Attendees could hear from panelists and speakers and interact with workshop leaders who gave important information and presentations about Black history, culture and achievements. Speakers talked about their personal experiences and journeys that led them to where they are today. “I am just a little girl from Louisiana who attended a segregated elementary school,” CCDH Health Officer Dianna Abney, M.D., said. She told about her journey of resilience in education to now being in her “dream job” as the CCDH health officer.

“I have deep respect for every single one of the people who are telling their stories tonight,” Navarro said. “Hearing their story and where they came from is so powerful to maintain a record of our local history and who we are today because of the people representing us.”

Many founders, presidents and members of local organizations provided resources at the event including those from Deep Launching Inc., an organization that helps to provide relief and administer aid to low-income families that are unhoused in the community; and LOVE, a community development organization that provides necessary resources and information to impoverished communities.

 “Many of us are from Charles County and went to school in the county,” Emmanuel “Manny” Brightwell, vice president of LOVE, said. “It’s always a blessing serving the Charles County community.” The organization partners with businesses like Amazon and the Gap Outlet to provide free resources to individuals in the Washington metropolitan area.

The event featured activities for people of all ages. Performances from a dance team and chamber choir from Maurice J. McDonough High School filled the gymnasium of the senior center while children and their families could enjoy and participate in arts and crafts and games that celebrated Black culture. The event also featured an art gallery of projects from CCPS students and food from local food trucks.

“The Black History Month celebration brought together families, friends and community members in a vibrant, engaging and collaborative experience,” Traci Chappelear-Thomas, director of DCEE, said.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).