The Black History Gala began approximately six years ago within the local walls of Bear Creek Community Church. A small group of church members presented Pastor Dennis Webb, and Irving City Councilman, with a small idea of allowing the younger youth to dress in costume attire and present brief educational biographies of historical African Americans who have made great contributions to today’s society.
This small gesture lead to a vision of the members creating an all adult presentation for the children educating them on our African American History. A small but dedicated committee of adults each year began writing songs, skits, poetry, etc., exemplifying the many great contributions African Americans have made to our society.
The event four years ago became a formal affair including an elegant dinner. The event has, and intends to always be a free event, allowing all community school age children to dress up in their Sunday best, learning through entertainment while enjoying the dinner served. This is the one night a year in which all children in attendance are allowed to participate in a Creative Writing and Arts Project (participants are awarded during dinner) and dress in formal attire. The youth also can enjoy their adult peers offering entertainment for them, and offer an educational experience intended to encourage by learning about past achievements and spotlighting the future they can help to create.
The organizers believe this year’s theme, “Where Do We Go From Here,” is so fitting following the election of the first African American President for a second term. So, where do we go from here?
This year the program will expand to feature diversity and unity. Irving’s City Manager, Tommy Gonzalez will serve as the guest speaker. Also, as in previous years this event may broadcast by Irving’s public broadcasting station, ICTN.
Please join the Bear Creek Community Church at 2700 Finley Rd in Irving in celebrating its 6th Annual event recognizing and honoring “Past and Present African American Culture” on Feb. 23, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s event will take you into the possible future while reviewing the historical past. Bear Creek will take a peek into how understanding diversity and unity could possibly help to shape communities as a whole.
