Black History Month
The Office of Diversity, Equity Inclusion presents "Pathways to Purpose, Inspiring the Future" to Celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month (Harvard.edu, 2018).
Carter G. Woodson
The Origins of Black History Month (Video Clip)
Each year we will highlight individuals from the Richland Two community with unique and significant contributions to Black history and culture. Individuals will be recognized in the areas of art, education, engineering, music, health, science, technology, and the military. "Often when we think of historical figures who have shaped our history and culture we think of global or national leaders. We are excited to recognize people from our own Richland Two community who have made significant contributions to black history and culture. We want all of our Richland Two partners (our students, parents, staff and community members) to know about the good work done by our own community members and we especially hope that our students will see something of themselves in the people recognized to reaffirm that they too have what it takes to be premier," Dr. Helen Nelson Grant, Chief Diversity and Multicultural Inclusion Officer.
Pathways to Purpose, Inspiring the Future
Richland School District Two's Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is celebrating Black History Month 2023! We will recognize individuals from the Richland Two community who have demonstrated unique and significant contributions to Black history and culture. The selected nominees will be featured on social media and the district's website from the categories below.
February 1-7: Art and Music
February 8-14: Education
February 15-21: Public Service (Government, Faith-Based, Military and Social Justice)
February 22-28: Health, Science, Technology, and Engineering
Join Us for the Richland School District Two Black History Month Honoree Program!
This year's program was held on Monday, February 27, 2023; 6 p.m., at the R2i2 Conference Center on 763 Fashion Drive.
If you were not able to attend this year's event, click below to watch the Black History Month Honoree program!
2023 Honorees
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2022 Honorees
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2021 Honorees
2019 Honorees
Art and Music
Pastor Travis Greene
Education, Public Service (Government, Faith-Based & Military)
Dr. Gloria Boutte
Dr. Sandra Hamlin
*Annie E. Hanberry
Kiva Wilson
Dr. Shawn Suber
Brigadier General Milford Beagle, Jr.
The Honorable Judge Deandrea G. Benjamin
Judi Gatson
The Honorable Calvin "Chip" Jackson
Larry Griffin
Pastor Chris Leevy Johnson
Health/Science, Technology & Engineering
Brenda C. Murphy
*Deceased
2018 Honorees
Art and Music
Mr. Charles Cherry, employee
Ms. Roni Henderson, employee
Ms. Tracy Oliver, graduate
Education and Military
Dr. Cheryl Caution-Parker, community member
Dr. Baron R. Davis, employee
Chaplain Col. Clarke McGriff, community member
Mr. Greg Scott, employee
Mr. Preston Thorne, community member
Technology
Dr. Hilton Maria Shaw Gilbert - employee
Evangelina Hemphill - community member
Anthony Lawrence - community member
Health and Science
*Anna Love Boyd - honorary community member
Dr. Mojibola Solaja - community member
Dr. Gerald Wilson - community member
*Deceased