The NAACP Youth Council celebrated Black History Month with a Gallery of Heroes event. Members researched a historical black person they see as a role model, dressed up as their hero and spoke about why they chose them.
Malia Nembhard, 15, researched Florence Griffith Joyner, or Flo-Jo. The fastest woman ever recorded, her records in the 100- and 200-meter stand today.
“She is an incredibly influential figure for a Black girl like me, who likes to run track, because she has broken records, redefined athletic intelligence and brought unparalleled style to the sport,” said Nembhard.
To represent Flo-Jo, Nembhard wore medals she won at her track meets. She admires Flo-Jo’s domination on the track, as well as her bold fashion choices.
“Her legacy reminds young Black female athletes they can be both powerful and unapologetic while striving for greatness,” said Nembhard.
Romelo Waddell, 16, presented on Gil Scott-Heron, an influential African-American jazz poet and musician.
“He influenced subsequent music genres, such as neo-soul and hip-hop,” said Waddell. “He’s been described by music fans as the godfather of hip-hop.”
Waddell performed Scott-Heron’s 1971 poem “I Think I’ll Call It Morning.”
Michael Nembhard, 15, wrote about Earl Lloyd, the first African-American basketball player to play in the NBA. He wore his basketball jersey and ring to represent Lloyd.
After reading Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir, Aiisha Nembhard, a council advisor, was inspired to participate.
She wore cowrie shells to the event, which Jackson wore to the 2025 presidential inauguration. “In Africa they used cowrie shells as currency, a sign of prosperity and protection,” Nembhard explained. “But in America, when somebody wears cowrie shells, its really a sign of letting people know that ‘I’m representing who I am, which is an African-American, a person of African descent.’”
The NAACP Youth Council meets at 3 p.m. every third Sunday in the community room at Harold Walker Park.
