By Martin Paredes/south news editor
The districtwide African-American Heritage event Celebrating Strides Feb. 25 on South Campus will feature music, dance, theatrical performances and an appearance by actor Tommy Ford from the sitcom Martin.
Celebrating Strides chair and economics associate professor Bob McKizzie praised all involved in organizing the event, which takes place 5-7 p.m. in the SSTU dining hall.
“We are grateful for everyone’s due diligence on the upcoming Celebrating Strides African-American Heritage event,” he said.
South dance instructor Kierra Amison said more than just her campus would be involved.
“It is a districtwide event with participation from multiple campuses,” she said. “The South Continuum Dance Company will be performing at the event as will the NW dance company, Mosaic Dance Project.”
All five campuses are co-sponsoring the event as part of the college’s celebration of Black History Month.
South information assistant and intramural sports coordinator Alyssa Petty is excited for Celebrating Strides.
“Black History Month is going to be full of great events,” she said, “especially the big Celebrating Strides event on the 25th.”
Petty said the event is open to the community, but people need to RSVP via the TCC volunteer hub at http://tccdne.volunteerhub.com.
Ford will speak and relay the message of nationwide literacy, especially in men.
After Ford’s success in Martin, he worked on TV One’s show Who’s Got Jokes for four seasons playing the “Pope of Comedy.”
In the past few years, Ford has also been in over 15 films and the hit show Basketball Wives. He even dabbled in theater, winning a few awards for directing or producing shows such as Jonin, South of Where We Live, Monsoon Christmas and Living Room.
Other performances include the SE Jazz Band, Bass Poetry by Anthony Douglas, Trailblazer: Looking Back, Moving Forward which is written and performed by storyteller Decee Cornish, The Potter’s House Chorale featuring pianist Dr. Martina McCain and soprano Icy Simpson.
Chef Keith Hicks of Buttons restaurants in Fort Worth and Addison will cater the event.
