HUD staff in Indianapolis gained a better understanding of history, a sense of tremendous progress in our nation; and pride in one another, regardless of race, color, or creed during the two-day observance of Black history.

Dr. Eugene G. White, Superintendent, and Metropolitan School District of Washington Township - Indianapolis gave a presentation on the landmark court decision stemming from "Brown v Board of Education. Dr. White spoke of "celebrating success through education" by detailing the history of the famous court case that ended so-called separate by equal schools in America.

Dr. white stands next to public housing director Forrest Jones in the middle of a large group of school children

Dr. White, pictured above with Indianapolis Public Housing Director Forrest Jones and the Eastwood Middle school Choir, challenged his audience to continue the course for equality in education. Under Dr. White's leadership, all the schools in his Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSDWT) have earned the honor of a four star accreditation from the North Central Association.

The MSDWT Eastwood Middle School choir sang two selections "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "We Shall Over Come", with choir members offering the history and relevancy of the songs to Black History.

Choir of elementary school students

Other select Eastwood Middle School students gave Black History presentations. Two students shared their moving letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Another student gave a thought provoking presentation on the essence of the various historians' contributions to history. A third student recited two Maya Angelou poems, relating to the struggles of Blacks. Other students gave recitations on other Black historians.

Anita Cook, Public Trust Specialist and coordinator of the 2004 observance, opened the celebration by providing a brief account of the Black History Month observance, highlighting the insight of Carter G. Woodson. In the early 1900's, Mr. Woodson recognized the need to commemorate the contributions of Black Americans. He adamantly spoke to the issue in his statement that "A nation of people without a history will become extinct". Ms Cook noted that this was the beginning of the Black History Month observance in America.

Also as part of the observance, the Indiana State Museum - Legacy Theater did a film showing entitled The Black Press - "Soldiers Without Swords" a documentary on the significant role of the black newspapers in the struggle for freedom and equality for Black people by Stanley Nelson.