Wilkes RYDC: Black History Month Events

During February, students at the Wilkes Regional Youth Detention Center (Wilkes RYDC) celebrated National Black History Month, which salutes the significant achievements made by African Americans and recognizes their central roles in American history.  On February 27th, students held a special history program for welcoming parents, staff, and honored guests. 

Wilkes RYDC youth sang the traditional song, "A Long Time Coming," and read poems highlighting the struggle of the civil rights movement and honoring Rosa Parks and the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.  Posters were also designed to recognize African-American role models, both from the past and the present. During the presentation of the posters, youth designers explained the significance of each figure depicted.

For the finale of the Black History Month celebration, youth presented and performed dramatic monologues where all of the characters were based on African-American heroes from the past being interviewed by modern-day individuals who ask questions relevant to today's current issues. To end the monologues, participants and the audience sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before a family-style meal was served.

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice salutes Black History Month and the intellectual and creative contributions that continue to originate in the African-American community for the benefit of all society. DJJ also salutes the creative educators, leaders and mentors at this agency who continue to inspire the youth in our care.