Coahoma Community College continued its celebration of Black History Month by hosting its annual Black History Convocation on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at the Pinnacle. The theme for this year's event is "Black Resistance: A Journey to Equality."
The Black History Convocation followed a distinct program providing attendees with impassioned speeches, a cultural student art display, and performances by the dynamic CCC choir.
Dr. C.J. Rhodes served as a guest speaker for the occasion. Rhodes has 20 years of leadership and ministry experience and is a native of Hazlehurst, Mississippi. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from The University of Mississippi, Master of Divinity from Duke University Divinity School, and Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Biblical Seminary. Now, Rhodes serves as a pastor at Mt. Helm Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, and director of Religious and Spiritual life at Alcorn State University.
Rhodes began his speech by expressing how the CCC community can continue the legacy of black history.
"Black history was not simply made only for the past. Black historical figures are still among the land of the living," said Rhodes. "Black history is not something you just read about or a documentary you watch. Some black history makers are now seated here at Coahoma Community College."
He thanked past Black History makers but expressed that if it is believed that all black history makers are only from the past, the baton will be dropped in the present.
"Now is a good time to make sure that all of the things that we have accomplished, earned, and put our blood, sweat, and tears on is passed down to this generation to stand and resist," said Rhodes.
He continued to convey what exactly is resisting. "You cannot resist unless you insist, and after you insist, you must persist," said Rhodes.
He expressed that students must insist on an excellent education and economic advantage. Rhodes reiterates that the audience needed to stand for something because they would fall for anything if they stood for nothing.
As he referred to Disney's Lion King, he concluded his speech by challenging the audience to "remember who you are."
"Don't run from your responsibilities or who you are. You have a calling and a mission in your life. You may be afraid to insist and persist, but when you remember who you are, no one can stop you or block you from being, doing, and accomplishing what you can," said Rhodes.
Clarksdale, Mississippi native and sophomore Lydia Noah shared her excitement about the program.
"I enjoyed the program and accepting the challenge of not holding back who we are and being able to push forward to do our best," said Noah.
Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, president of Coahoma Community College, provided closing remarks and shared an impactful charge with attendees.
"The black resistance is breaking the mode, looking in the water, and being exactly who you are. Many of us may not have been told who we truly are, but we are more than how we look on the outside," said Dr. Towner.
Towner triumphantly spoke of Coahoma’s storied past as being birth from the resistance of its founders to not settle for less.
"We are excited to say we are the continuation of resistance," Towner added.
The program concluded with the singing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and Coahoma's own alma mater.
To learn more about the remaining Black History events, visit https://www.coahomacc.edu/news/Spring-2023/ccc_announces_bhm_2023.html.