By Leslie Hudgins
On Tuesday, April 23rd, the 39th Annual Black History Month Observance Breakfast Committee, led by Congressman Sanford Bishop, presented over $65,000 in contributions to local organizations doing meaningful work to enhance the Columbus community.
The funding for the donations is raised from the proceeds of the annual Black History Month Observance Breakfast Committee breakfast. In February of each year, the committee welcomes the tri-city community to join together for breakfast and a speech by a well-known Black History Month Keynote speaker. This year, the breakfast keynote speaker was Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Over the years there have been remarkable speakers such as First Lady Jill Biden, Congressman Elijah Cummings, and then-Senator Barack Obama.
This year, eight organizations were honored because of their work serving underprivileged populations or preserving the cultural history of African Americans throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.
These organizations included The Plummer Home, Let’s Grow STEAM, The Learning Center, Micah’s Promise, Southeast Select, The Fountain City Slam, The W.H. Spencer Golden Owlettes and Tree of Life Healthcare, Inc.
Each charitable organization was chosen because of its essential cultural service or inspirational investments in the community. Programs such as “Let’s Grow Steam, and The Learning Center works with underprivileged youth in Steam programs teaching science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Micah’s Promise is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping children who were victims of sex trafficking reintegrate back into society. The other organizations offer transformative sports, healthcare and support for the homeless community.
According to Ann Caggins, the Chair Emeritus, committees like this are important because ” a black history program like this in a community keeps all up the awareness of the people who came before the children, and it also keeps hope alive for all of them.”
Each organization was awarded donations ranging from $2,500 to $12 thousand dollars for the work they have done for the Chattahoochee Valley region. The amount is determined by what the returning members accomplished with last year’s domination. Caggins says the new recipients receive the highest donations of $12 thousand dollars to help the organization get off to a good start.
The Black History Month Observance Breakfast Committee will be hosting next year’s breakfast on Monday, February 17th, 2025. Nominations for next year’s awards can be made by contacting a committee member. More information can be found on the Black History Month Observance Breakfast Facebook page.
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