Cambridge, Maryland Celebrates Black History Month

CAMBRIDGE-- Numerous positive notes for the future were heard as Black History month was celebrated February 27, 2010, at the Empowerment Center in Cambridge, Maryland. Locals enjoyed an upbeat program sponsored by the Pine Street Committee (PSC) and the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP), which concluded with a brunch and awards for children who had made progress in their studies.

Children who had improved in their schoolwork were recognized for their accomplishments. In the first picture featured with this article, in front from the left are Rodney Dotson, Rozonda Dotson, Naesha Purnell, and Rymarr Rideout Jr. In back from the left are teacher of the Pine Street Committee's (PSC) after school program Portia Johnson-Ennels, Cpl. Antoine Patton of the Cambridge City Police, Maryland House of Delegates Rudolph Cane (District 37A), Daughter Ruler of Progressive 224 Gloristeen Pinkett, County Councilman William Nichols (District 2), Field Representative for U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin Lee Whaley, member of the PSC Board of Directors Brenda Davis, and PSC President Jimmy Cornish. Not present for the picture were Khaz'Mere Demby, Kha'Mere Demby, Zaky'ra Camper, Zionte Safrit, and Janada Bishop.

After a welcome by Rozonda Dotson, a participant in the PSC's after school program, Octavene Saunders of the PSC read Booker T. Washington's "Up From Slavery." Those attending then enjoyed the selection "Belle" sung by Joseph T. Lewis.

Portia Johnson-Ennels briefly noted the Empowerment Center, used by the PSC to enhance the education of local citizens regardless of race, stands on the same land the Pine Street Elementary School once occupied before it was destroyed by fire in 1967. "If you look it's now 2010 and we are still doing educational programs on this same spot. It was for education years ago. It is for education today and other positive programs," she said.

Linda Prochaska, Special Assistant to Sen. Barbara Mikulski, read a statement from Sen. Mikulski. Greetings and encouraging remarks from Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin were conveyed by his field representative, Lee Whaley. Maryland House of Delegates Rudolph Cane (District 37A) also commented on the event.

Though the focus of the gathering was on Black History, many were thinking of the future. In an interview, Mr. Lewis said, "I'm looking for possible sites for my potential business which would bring in a number of jobs." He is hoping to locate a permanent site in Dorchester County and may be contacted at (443) 225-5110.

Jonathan Gibbs indicated he too had been attracted to Dorchester County and had opened J and J Banquet Hall located at 504 Poplar Street in Cambridge. The business has 12 employees.

He said he grew up on the eastern shore of Virginia and became acquainted with Cambridge when he serviced the area for an employer. Additional information regarding J and J Banquet Hall may be had by calling (443) 225-6459.

Mrs. Saunders said the PSC was instrumental in getting both in contact with Dorchester County Councilman William Nichols (District 2). "He's very much a part of trying to see that we get jobs for all people regardless of race," she said.

Councilman Nichols encouraged them to work with the county Department of Economic Development. "I'm glad both decided to locate here to make us prosperous and I look forward to seeing both businesses flourish," he said.

Toward the end of the program, after a number of young people were noted for improving their grades by attending PSC's after school program, Cpl. Antoine Patton of the Cambridge City Police said, "First and foremost I think we need to thank the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention for sponsoring this program. From the police department's perspective, it not only helps the children with their school work but it helps with rapport between the children and the police department."