Black History Month: A Time to Extend the Dream

By Chuck N. Baker

February is Black History Month. It is a time to recognize and honor the achievements of black Americans in American history.  

Each year the City of Los Angeles sponsors several events to honor Black History Month. At a luncheon held at the Derfelt Senior Center, several entertainers performed musical numbers that have been made famous by black entertainers.

Deshan Carr opened the program and told the audience that he hopes all concerned will abide by the theme of the luncheon, “Extending the Dream, Celebrating Our Past and Inspiring Our Future.”

He explained that as a small child, he never saw white or Hispanic people. His mother was half-black and half-indigenous and “She taught me how to adapt. She also taught me a poem that she used to read to me about Jesus,” that helped him grow into a secure adult. Then his voice smoothly blended into a rap selection called, “Keep Your Head to the Sky.” It contained a confident theme advising all to look upward and stay strong.

Other performers included Sparrow, who rendered an enthusiastic musical rap experience. Robert Cruz, a volunteer at the Derfelt Center, took to the microphone and rhapsodized his own exclusive versions of popular music made famous by such vocal groups as “The Platters.” 

The walls of the dining area contained photographs of many famous black Americans — Rosa Parks, Arthur Ashe, Medgar Evers, Harriet Tubman and Jackie Robinson. The luncheon was only one of several black history events in February.

Interested residents might look to the future and consider marking their 2021 calendars for the month of February. As the date approaches next year, they can be reminded to sign up to attend a few of the presentations and extend their dreams.