Flagler County Commission Chairman George Hanns, Bunnell City Commissioner and the Rev. Daisy Mae Henry were the guest speakers Saturday at the Black Heritage Day Festival presented by the Afro-American Caribbean Heritage Organization (AACHO) at the Palm Coast campus of Daytona State College.

Henry reconstructed her past of growing up in Bunnell during segregation, connecting the dots to being a precocious Black child, not excelling in many things but excelling in learning what was occurring at the time.

Steel workers were paid 75 cents per day. She also affirms that the school’s dean would go after the kids who were not given the opportunity of going to school.

History lesson

She said in those days, things were hard, but in the face of segregation, families kept things together by helping each other.

Henry completed her formal studies, but throughout her life she continued the mainstay of teaching herself. She "drives home" today to constituents the details and policies set forth by the city commission.

Hanns talked about the yesteryears during segregation when politicians would go in the Black community, pay $1 apiece to constituents and never return until the next election.

Hanns says he has seen promise at the Flagler County Agricultural Museum. For example, there’s Lawrence Silas, a Black man who has been venerated a first-class cattleman.

His father, Tom, was born a slave and came to Florida as a free man. He built a 2,000-acre ranch near what is known as Kenansville.

Lawrence Silas was paid tribute with a cornerstone laid in 1916 at Kissimmee’s Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Tribute to Bunnell natives

A "thumbs up" by Hanns also was rendered to Eddie Johnson, an American soccer player born March 31, 1984, in Bunnell. He also spoke of Cincinnati wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, an incredible football legend, a native of Bunnell.

At the event, song and liturgical dance were orchestrated by the area churches along with music by a jazz ensemble. Setting the stage for each performance was mistress of ceremonies Marion Hassell.

The dais, made up of county commissioners and city council members, included others in government and community organizations.

AACHO President Kathleen Merritt accepted a proclamation presented by Hanns on behalf of the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners. AACHO meritorious awards went to Patrick and Juanita Herrera, Queenester Jones and Vivian Richardson, who also served as chairman of the festival.

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AACS to host awards luncheon

Chairman Melinda Morais has extended invitations to attend the Annual AACS Awards Luncheon on Saturday, March 13, 1 p.m., at the African-American Cultural Society (AACS).

Members Lorenzo M. Jones, Dr. Herman Price, William "Bill" Seeney and Jeanette Wheeler will be honored. Jeanette Smith and William "Bill" Dabney will
be honored posthumously.

The donation is $20. Casual elegance has been chosen as the protocol, and a cash bar will be available.

For more details, call Morais at 386-445-6753.

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As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.