Past and Future Celebrated at Quince Orchard Black History Month Assembly

Students at were treated to an assembly in honor of Black History Month on Friday morning, hosted by the high school's parent NAACP group. 

Though the event recognized the African American legacy of remarkable individuals, poetry and songs, the theme of the event transcended racial divides.

"Black history isn't just about celebrating African Americans, but honoring those who came before us and using them as an example," said the MC of the event, Kendall Williams, a sophomore at Quince Orchard High School.

Montgomery County Councilman Craig Rice, keynote speaker for the event, said it is important for teens to define themselves and project that image of success.

"We no longer have the same diversity challenges that we did in the past," Rice said, noting that the latest census numbers proved Montgomery County is now majority minority. "So it is imperative for you to define who you are and stand up for what you are."

Referencing the assembly's theme, "Success is the test," Rice told the packed auditorium that it is important to prepare yourself for success, through education and presentation.

As a young man running for elected office, Rice said, people often questioned his seriousness and experience because of his age. He said he realized how he presented himself had a large impact on people's perception. For example, in the summer when he was wearing shorts and a T-shirt canvassing door-to-door, people were skeptical. But, he said, when he put on a suit and tie, like the one he wore to the assembly Friday, they suddenly treated him like an official.

"Don't let what people perceive you as define you," Rice told the crowd. "What you do, what you project is what defines you."

Wil Haynes, Director of Information Technology for House Minority Leader Representative Nancy Pelosi, echoed this sentiment in the second part of the assembly.

"Success is not concrete, it's not your parents definition, success is personal," Haynes told Patch. "My success might not be yours."

Looking out over the packed auditorium at students, Haynes said he was struck by the opportunity available to students today.

"There is so much potential here. Anything is possible at this age," Haynes said. "You don't know who is going to come out and shock the world."

The assembly concluded with students reciting poems by Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes and the Quince Orchard High School choir's rendition of several African American traditional songs, including "The Storm is Passing Over," and "Life Every Voice and Sing."

Denise Williams, the head of the Quince Orchard High School parents NAACP group, said though this was the first time the high school held such an event, she hopes it will become a tradition for the school.