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| NETC SGA and Student Support Services participants pose with Reverend Dr. Coley Mearite, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Bennettsville, SC. Standing left to right are Shaina Robinson, of Pageland; Johnny Price, of Pageland; Michael Small, of Cheraw; Dr. Mearite; Desmond McManus, of Chesterfield; and Nickholas Hubbard, of Chesterfield. |
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February 19, 2009
NETC Celebrates Black History Month
More than 200 people including Northeastern Technical College students, faculty, staff and visitors attended the college’s Black History Program held recently on its campus in Cheraw. The reverend Dr. Coley Mearite, pastor at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Bennettsville, delivered the keynote address.
The theme of the program, sponsored by the college’s Student Services, Student Support Services and Student Government Association (SGA), was “Inspired by the Past to Impact the Future.” Reverend Mearite delivered an inspiring message that encouraged, and reminded those in attendance that a bright future has emerged from a heritage often times covered with darkness.
“Black heritage is worth celebrating because out of the darkness has emerged a brighter future,” he said. “Even in times where the flames of hope diminished, we were encouraged by the pouring of spiritual oil that rekindled our hope and led us to a true light that is now shining.”
Mearite referenced Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, Thurgood Marshall, Richard Allen, Clarence Thomas, Martin Luther King, Jr., and President Barak Obama as the flames that should inspire everyone to have a positive impact on the future.
“But we didn’t get to here with these people alone,” Mearite said in closing. “We have a rich heritage because it’s rooted in the faith of the Lord who brought us out of darkness and gave us hope by standing on the promise of God.”
The program also featured local musicians including NETC student Gary Freeman, of Bennettsville, who played the National Anthem with his trumpet. Yolanda Freeman, of Cheraw, sung several selections during the program and also led the audience in singing James Weldon Jonhson’s, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
PHOTO CAPTION:
NETC SGA and Student Support Services participants pose with Reverend Dr. Coley Mearite, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Bennettsville, SC. Standing left to right are Shaina Robinson, of Pageland; Johnny Price, of Pageland; Michael Small, of Cheraw; Dr. Meatrice; Desmond McManus, of Chesterfield; and Nickholas Hubbard, of Chesterfield.
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