The African American Student Union and Student Life wrapped up Black History Month with a memorable speaker and soul food event. Ken Williams Director of Instructional Programming at the Downtown Center did a presentation on the political debates between Booker T. Washington, educator, reformer and the most influential black leader of his time (1856-1915) and W.E.B. Du Bois, scholar and political thinker (1868-1963). Earlene Gilbert, long time Broward County resident, spoke about her experiences of living in Broward County through segregation times and Jim Crow laws. The final speaker of the day was Taura Parker a local high school student who spoke about Harriet Tubman’s life and contributions. Representative Chris Smith of District 93 stopped by to pay us a visit. After the speakers were done the students and guests were invited to eat some traditional soul food, including fried chicken collard greens, black-eyed peas and cornbread. The event was a great success.

“I remember old Fort Lauderdale, real nice place to live. Didn’t bother me too much, the way of life, when I look back over the years and see the progress, I realize how much I enjoyed the early days, not the segregation, but it was a quieter time, a simpler time.” Earlene Gilbert