×

Black History Expo planned

AFES event will feature speakers, food

A Black History Expo featuring guest speakers and presentations is scheduled in Fort Dodge this Saturday.

The expo will be held at Athletics for Education and Success, 712 Third St. N.W., from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

However, severe winter weather may result in the event being postponed.

“We wanted to let people know that we’ll make a decision by noon the day of,” said Charles Clayton, the executive director of Athletics for Education and Success.

He said those who want to know if the expo will still happen can call 955-2969 the day of the event and that there will be a voicemail on that number letting people know of the expo’s status.

March 11 is the tentative makeup date for the expo if it is postponed.

Clayton said the Black History Expo will feature a number of presentations and speakers.

The Rev. Dr. Michael Blackwell, of Trinity United Methodist Church, will be giving a presentation on Black History Month.

Clayton referred to Blackwell as “a good presenter.”

“He’s someone I’ve known for 10-plus years,” Clayton said. “I just wanted to get him involved and let people, No. 1, know he’s even here in town because a lot of people don’t even know he’s here yet. But also a chance to hear him speak.”

Clayton himself will also be speaking regarding a follow-up conversation from a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event from January.

“We did an event for Martin Luther King Day where we kind of challenged people at that event to go out and have a sit down dinner, lunch, coffee, tea with someone of another race or different culture,” he said, adding he’ll be having people who did that speak about their experiences.

In addition to the speakers, Clayton said there will also be other presentations.

They include the Second Baptist Church youth department performing a skit, artwork from the Rev. Madai Taylor, of Agape Church KDM, a presentation on the history of hip-hop music and a sampling of different cultural foods.

“That way people can sample some more traditionally African-American foods, dishes, things like that,” Clayton said.

Local business that are owned by blacks will also be participating, according to Clayton, which include Angela’s Hair & More Beauty Supply and TC Mae’s Family Diner.

Clayton said it’s important for events such as the expo to be held during Black History Month as a way of showing the diversity of Fort Dodge.

“AFES has always, since we started, tried to make sure we’ve had some Black History Month program or event,” he said. “Not only for the African-Americans here in town, but for the city in general, just to show that Fort Dodge has some diversity and cares about other cultures.”

He added the expo, which is open to the public and will accept free will donations, has been well-attended in the past.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today