PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF DR. STEVE GALLON III

February 20, 2020

Brilliance, creativity, and talent were on full display on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 as District 1 School Board Member & School Board Vice Chair Dr. Steve Gallon III held his 4th Annual District 1 Black History Showcase. This year’s show entitled “D1 Chella” celebrated Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) and Black Fraternities and Sororities which wowed the audience of over 500 that was in attendance and proved to be a huge success. The Emcee was District 1 and Andover Middle School’s very own—- 8th grader Ramaria St-Hilaire. Along with event partner, Miami Gardens Councilwoman Katrina Wilson, attendees included Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Councilmen David Williams and Reggie Leon, North Region Superintendent Jose Bueno, UTD Vice President Antonio White, and Region and school administrators. A host of students, parents, educators, and community supporters were also in attendance.

The filled auditorium of people sat in awe of the amazing talent showcased by students from Golden Glades Elementary, North Dade Center for Modern Languages, Parkview Elementary, Rainbow Park Elementary, Scott Lake Elementary, Norland Middle School, Carol City Middle School, Ricky Danco Dance Company, North Miami Senior High, Miami Norland Senior High, Jan Mann 5000 Role Models, and the host school, Miami Carol City Senior High. Performances included Dance, Chorus, Spoken Word, Drama, Jazz Band, Drumlines, and Step.

A special visual presentation was featured reflecting on the past and highlighting the present status of HBCU’s and the Divine 9. Reflective of the song “It’s Not Over” the presentation was inspiring and heartfelt.

The showcase received a long and resounding standing ovation at the end and continuous praise by everyone as they exited the auditorium.

“Once again, our community has been able to serve witness to the artistic beauty and brilliance of our students, as well as the power that the arts plays in their education and empowerment,” said Dr. Gallon. “Tonight also provided an opportunity for us to reflect, recognize, and celebrate the educational journey of Blacks in higher education and the powerful role and influence that Black fraternities and sororities have played in binding us in power and purpose. Tonight’s performances also provide us which a challenge. How do we top this?”

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