Senior Center Reflects on Black History

By Mikell riCHards

OnFriday, February 17, 2023, the Rochdale Village Senior Center decided it wasn’t enough to kick off Black History Month at the beginning of February, but that they needed to dedicate more time on it.

They gathered in the Jewel Café to watch performances by the Seniors. The event started out with words from Recreation Coordinator, Evelyn Wilson, and the Mistress of Ceremony, Mary Smith. Next up was the New Senior Center, Choir, coordinated by Wilhemina Lockridge. Individual seniors then took to the stage, with poetry and musical selections. Then it was time for the African Dance Troop of Rochdale Senior Center to get the party going. They danced from room to room, and even shared why they throw money. “To show appreciation,” explained resident senior Rachel Iroku.

More poetry and selections from the choir followed, and the program finished with a reading of the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. It was an afternoon of great performances, as well as moments of reflection.