Crowds Came Rushing at AD Harris Learning Village

PANAMA CITY, FL - The crowds came rushing in for the opening of Black History Month Festival on February 24, 2024, at the historic landmark, A D Harris Learning Village, named after Mr. A D Harris, one of the legends in our community. A D Harris was opened in the 1930’s as a segregated school.

Shortly after the festival gates opened, guests were treated to a snappy little dance tune, as shown in the first video, with Da Groove Band, featuring on-stage Greg King and Johndale Crawford on guitars and Tony Crawford (no relation) on drums. The band also includes Jarel Jabre on keyboard, and Willie Blackshire doing vocals.

As shown in the second video, Michelle Bryant, Glenwood Revitalization Project, began the ceremony by introducing Bishop Alexander, who gave prayers of thankfulness for the leadership and organizers of the Black History Month Festival, for the community leaders who grace us with their presence, and for the people and patrons of this community that stand in solidarity to support this great effort. The bishop prayed, “We embrace the unlimited possibilities you have for our lives as a people.” “As we move about these grounds of the A D Harris Learning Village today and engage in the many festivities prepared for us, remind us to thank you for where we have been as a people for which we have learned resiliency. Remind us to thank you for where we are as a people for which we are learning patience and finally remind us to thank you for where we are going as a people there which we are pursuing with hope. Help us, Father, to do all these things in unity and with love with the collective goal of inspiring a generation by building a better faith.”

Next, at the request of Panama City Commissioner Janice Lucas, who was unable to attend, the next speaker was Brian Grainger, Panama City Commissioner, Ward 3. Commissioner Grainger commented that this is a wonderful day, and we are blessed with this beautiful weather. He mentioned that we recently did the groundbreaking of the Martin Luther King Recreation Center and thanked everyone for coming out today to celebrate African American History.

The third video recorded Mr. Wayne Jones, the Executive Director of the Senior Living Group, singing a striking rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing which was followed by rousing applause.

If you missed the Black History Month Festival, you missed some wonderful food such as sweet potato pie by Sylinda and brisket by Angels BBQ. Check out some of the vendors and other worthwhile organizations in the photos. If you missed the festival this year, we hope you can make it next year!

Watch video here: https://shorturl.at/nqtO9