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Words of encouragement, songs of inspiration and dances of praise were offered Friday as part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School’s (CHS) black history program.

More than 30 CHS students presented various acts as part of the program. Also, a longtime Charter High School staff person was honored for his service. Special acknowledgements were made for Willis Young, assistant CHS director, who has worked at school for the past 15 years.

“I have stayed with the Charter High School because of my love for the kids,” said Young. “SIUE has given me the opportunity to be a part of young African American people’s lives, and I’m grateful.”

“Celebrating and honoring the heritage of African Americans is important for the vitality of CHS students,” said Gina Washington, CHS program director. “I am proud of the hard work that our students have displayed during this year’s program. Also, I am proud to have recognized Mr. Willis Young for his 15 years of devoted service to the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School.”

The CHS students performed more than 15 numbers. One of the favorites among the audience was Leon Gillespie II, a junior at CHS. Gillespie performed the rap, “I Had a Dream – Like Martin Luther King,” and the poem “Disappointed,” about the killing of Michael Brown.

Some other numbers and performers included:

• Lift Every Voice and Sing, by the CHS Gospel Choir
• “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” dance by DeAmbra Loveless
• “I Can Only Imagine” mime by Kenisha Williams and Malik El-Amin
• “Young Gifted and Black” dance by Samaria Clemons
• “Four Women” dance by Maria Moore, Tempestt Cole, DeAmbra Loveless, Jourdan Wilson Hopkins
• “I Am Mike Brown” rap and drama by Seth Luster and Greg Sallie
• Seth Luster, a CHS freshman, said there are times he is apprehensive around police because he doesn’t know what will happen.

In considering the state of being young and black in America, Luster said: “Sometimes I’m discouraged because I’m aware of the stereotypes that people think because I’m a black male, I’m on drugs or will go to jail. But I’m encouraged because I am not going to let myself fall into those stereotypes.”

Luster said he plans to an animated artist.

Photos:

Leon Gillespie II, CHS student, performs “Disappointed.”

Kim Allen, CHS faculty associate, emcees the black history program.

Samaria Clemons, CHS student, dances to the song, Young, Gifted and Black.

Seth Luster, CHS student, raps in “I Am Mike Brown.”

Willis Young, assistant CHS director, is recognized for 15 years of service