By Angelique Fullwood
On Jan 25 about 100 guests attended the 16th Annual Cherry Hall Alexander African-American History Calendar Unveiling ceremony in the Turner Auditorium of TCC’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. The calendar, which is distributed for free, serves to highlight and recognize achievements made by African American organizations and individuals who are dedicated to giving back to the community. Among those honored was TCC’s own Black Student Union.
The theme of this year’s calendar is 50 Years of African American memories, in honor of TCC’s 50th anniversary.
“[The theme] demonstrates that African Americans have been a vital part of the TCC culture since its inception and still do so today.” Says Vivian Pope, one of the coordinators of the event. “African Americans have been involved in all aspects of the campus and therefore share many memories in TCC’s 50 years of history.”
The ceremony was hosted by Shonda Knight and A.J Hilton of WCTV News. Speakers included Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, Maggie Lewis Butler from Leon County School Board, TCC’s Provost Dr. Feleccia Moore-Davis, TCC President Dr. Jim Murdaugh, and many other leaders in the Tallahassee community.
The Calendar was established in 2000 by Cherry Hall Alexander. Alexander was the former Director of Library Services and served as chair of the African-American History Planning Committee at TCC before she retired and has since taught as an adjunct professor and served as an advisor to the Black Student Union .
“Mrs. Cherry Hall Alexander has had a tremendous influence on the lives of Black students attending TCC today,” Pope says. “A large majority of them are probably attending TCC because they feel that TCC cares about the well-being of minority students and therefore, they will be treated with respect. She is known as Mrs. TCC within the African American community and has greatly influenced many lives through her teaching and caring.”
Since its inception, the calendar unveiling has been the kick-off event in a series of events throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month at TCC.
“Celebrating Black History is important, because it allows time to bring awareness and recognition to the accomplishments of African-Americans and how they have made significant contributions to society,” Pope says. “When there is an understanding through this educational process, that every ethnicity brings something to the table to make society the beautiful place it is, then people will work together and be more respectful of each other’s contributions.”
Individual Copies of the calendar is available at the TCC Library, TCC Welcome Center, and the TCC Campus and Civic Engagement office.
