Powerful student presentations on civil rights leaders held the attention of those in attendance at a recent Delaware County Council meeting in recognition of Black History Month.

Every February, Council recognizes the accomplishments of African-Americans throughout history, in addition to the accomplishments of those living in Delco.

As part of Council’s recognition of Black History Month, three students from Springfield High School presented the history behind and sang, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The song was written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900, at a time in history when African-Americans struggled for freedom.

The students – Nia Stevenson, Journey Fitzgerald, and Camyrn Council – were invited to the Government Center by Delaware County Common Pleas Judge Nathaniel Nichols. As a scholar of African-American history, Judge Nichols strives to bring history to life for a new generation of young people, so they can carry on the work of their ancestors.

This year, Judge Nichols and his wife, Cheryl Nichols, a retired teacher, invited the students to make their presentation and receive a tour of the Delaware County Courthouse.

“Black History Month was started in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a descendent of slaves who became a noted author, educator, and a dean at Howard University in Washington, D.C.,” said County Councilman Dave White. “We continue to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of great African-American leaders. It’s by learning about the struggles our ancestors faced, as they broke down barriers for us, that future generations can continue to work for equality and fairness for all people.”

At the meeting, Councilman White welcomed Fonda Akins, a learning support teacher who has taught in the Springfield School District for 22 years. Akins is the co-sponsor of a multi-cultural group called REACH, which stands for Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage.