CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Black History Month Committee held its 40th annual closing of Black History Month ceremony on Thursday at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. The celebration drew close to 300 people and featured a range of festive activities including music, photo booths, food and beverages for all attendees.

The event began with a song performed by the First Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir and the Clarksville Black History Month Committee, followed by a Scripture reading by La’Nyah Lyle, a third-grade student from Minglewood Elementary School. Power and Grace Preparatory Academy performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Various other dances, songs, and group activities were performed.

The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Sandra, Nikita, & Lavonne at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Power and Grace Preparatory Academy at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Virginia Davis & Margaret Chase at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Cathy Lynnette Adams Johnson at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Power and Grace Preparatory Academy at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Power and Grace Preparatory Academy at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Power and Grace Preparatory Academy at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
James Davis & Jerry Scarborough at the annual Clarksville Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Clarksville Black History Month Committee at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on February 29, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)

“This is a celebration tonight, and I just want to thank everyone who came out,” said Joyce Bradley, a member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

“We love putting on this event; we have so many different people here dancing, singing, praising the Lord, and having fun. We are always looking for more diversity and inclusion in this celebration, and we hope to continue to grow,” said Cathy Lynnette Adams-Johnson, director of the Clarksville Black History Month Committee.

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