Black History Month

Library celebrates Black History Month on Feb. 23

The Theodore Johns Branch Library will be hosting an event called "Crisis in Black Education: Learning through Spirituals, Music, and Poetry" for Black History Month, City of Beaumont administrative assistant Rosanna Mojica announced Feb. 10.

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Family Arts Day

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) invites children and their families to join in a stimulating art adventure at “Either/And” Family Arts Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. The event is free and open to the public and will feature hands-on art activities, refreshments and entertainment designed to encourage families to explore the museum and learn more about the artwork on display.

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Growing ‘community’ at the heart of hometown girl

Gethrel “Get” Hall Williams-Wright

Gethrel “Get” Hall Williams-Wright hasn’t ventured too far from home for too long in the seven-plus decades in which God has blessed her with the morning sun, and if given the opportunity to wake up another seven decades, she’d gladly do it again where it all started.

“I love Beaumont,” she says. “I love my city. I don’t want to be anywhere but here.

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Calling all artists

In commemoration of Black History Month, the Beaumont Art League is asking artists to participate in an exhibit of unity and expression, crossing cultural barriers through art. The concept behind “United We Stand: The Artists Perspective” is to create a powerful community exhibit of artwork by our diverse network of talented artists that celebrates the contributions of African-Americans in art, history, and culture. Participating artist entry fees are $15 for members and $25 for non-members.

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‘Texas Super Lawyer’ Rufus Cormier looks back at his rise to the top

Rufus Cormier has strived for excellence ever since he was a young boy growing up in Beaumont, where he attended segregated schools until he graduated from Hebert High School in 1966.

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Educator, community volunteer still doing what’s right

Shirlene Cook with BISD students

Shirlene Cook has lived in Beaumont for decades, retiring from the Beaumont Independent School District in 2007 after 30 years of service. Throughout her life and her career, Cook has served the community in many capacities – volunteering, fundraising for nonprofits, leading, teaching – and that service has continued on into her retirement.

Cook has battled racism and sexism, breaking down barriers segregating certain groups, but she says she is just doing what is right.

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Beaumont Art League highlights African-American artists during Black History Month

Beaumont Art League

In commemoration of Black History Month, the Beaumont Art League is exhibiting artwork of African-American artists from the Beaumont and Port Arthur communities. The exhibit will be the first of its kind in the Beaumont Art League history.

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Charlton, Pollard inducted into Texas Hall of Honor

Charlton-Pollard Elementary School Choir Director Cindy Gibson led the children

Two local legends and leaders in education were inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor at the Capitol Rotunda in Austin on Feb. 19 by The Spirit of Star Day Foundation, and elementary choir students from the Beaumont school bearing their names were asked to visit the state’s capitol and celebrate the lives of these historic figures through song in honor of the birth of the Texas government and Black History Month.

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From medicine to social work, Humphrey always helping others

Margueritte Humphrey
Margueritte stands with grandchildren Justin and Morgan

During the month of February, The Examiner celebrates Black History Month by spotlighting members of the community whose outstanding actions are exemplary lessons, not only for African-Americans, but also for people of all races. One humble lady stands out not only as a voice for those who can’t speak, but as an advocate for today’s youth.

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Black History Month: BFD's Smith reflects on segregation

Michael Smith

When 57-year-old Beaumont Fire and Rescue fire inspector Michael Smith became one of the first 20 black firefighters to work for the city of Beaumont in 1982, he said it was like experiencing a case of déjà vu.

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