Hazelwood Embraces Community Diversity
By Issuing Black History Month Proclamation

In recognition of the many ways black Americans have enriched our nation's culture and history and to celebrate the community's diversity as a major strength, the Hazelwood City Council approved a proclamation declaring the month of February 2012 as "Black History Month."

Members of the Community Enrichment Commission, Florence Gillespie (mayor appointee) and Steve Rahmberg (co-chairperson), accepted this framed document from Mayor Matthew Robinson at a recent Council meeting.

Local residents are being asked to explore the history and culture of black Americans in order to discover a treasure of stories about the triumph of the human spirit and to avoid repeating the indignities of prejudice from one generation to the next. " Only by learning about our differences and respecting each other's heritage can we find a way to live together peacefully as one united group of Americans with shared dreams and aspirations," said Mayor Matthew Robinson of the City of Hazelwood.

Hazelwood's Community Enrichment Commission has organized and implemented a "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute" every year for his birthday to honor his legacy. This year's event on Sun., Jan. 15, marked the 10th anniversary for this program. Its purpose is to help preserve, enhance and celebrate the community's diversity. The goal is to foster respect, good will and cooperation among varied groups of residents who live in Hazelwood.

The crowded room full of people listened to several eloquent speeches given by the following individuals: Dr. Lawrence Ragland, D.D., pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Paris, Tenn., and director of the College of Worship National Baptist Convention USA; Dr. Rance Thomas, co-founder and president of the North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice; and Mayor Matthew Robinson of Hazelwood.  Entertainment was provided by soloist Beverly Stewart-Anderson and the Liturgical Dance Troupe from Antioch Baptist Church. The program ended with a traditional candle-lighting ceremony that has been a crowd favorite over the past decade.

Members of the Community Enrichment Commission include these Hazelwood residents: Karen Rahmberg, chairperson (Ward 3); Steve Rahmberg, co-chairperson (Ward 3); Nita Curry (Ward 8); Florence Gillespie (Ward 3-Mayor Appointee); Marilyn Placek (Ward 8); Kathy Ptake (Ward 5-Mayor Appointee); Nancy Senter (Ward 5); Kelly Wadlow (Ward 4); Alberta Young (Ward 3); and Betty Young (Ward 7). Staff liaisons include Hazelwood Community Center facility manager Pam Reynolds and Hazelwood Parks and Recreation secretary Deb Murrish.