Historic Broadcast

by P. Martel

On Friday, Feb. 7, 1997 it was announced that all homeroom teachers should turn on their television sets after the daily Channel One Broadcast had ended. To everyone's pleasant surprise was a live broadcast from the information room in the school library. Senior Lashondra Pierre was sitting behind the librarian's desk with pictures of famous African Americans decorating the wall behind her and "I Believe I Can Fly" by R Kelly playing softly in the background. She announced that this was a special broadcast over the NCHS Channel One system.

Principal Raymond Duplechain, who had done this before at OHS, gave introductory remarks reflecting upon the history of African Americans and the celebration of cultural diversity. Next was a trumpet duet of the "National Anthem" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" featuring Wilson Doomes and Reginald Jackson, both juniors at NCHS. Following this were autobiographical dramatizations of famous African Americans featuring Reynard Eaglin as Alex Haley and Kendra Benford as Barbara Jordan.

The broadcast ended with remarks by principal Raymond Duplechain. This is the first of several live broadcasts planned for the month of Black History and thereafter. Congratulations to everyone on an excellent production which was well planned and well executed.