Kaufman Pearson headlines first Black History Collaborative
Monica Kaufman Pearson, the first woman and African American to anchor the daily evening news in Atlanta, spoke to about 100 people on Sunday at the inaugural Black History Collaborative, a faith-centered celebration honoring African American heritage, achievement and unity.
“We teach our children the facts, the people, the names, the accomplishments,” Kaufman Pearson said. “But we don’t teach them what it takes to overcome.”
Held at Thankful Baptist Church in Stephens, the program brought together congregations and community leaders for prayer, presentations and reflections on Black history past and present as Black History Month marks 100 years.
“People forget that Black history is American history,” Kaufman Pearson said.
Kaufman Pearson worked at Atlanta’s WSB-TV for 37 years, winning over 33 Southern Regional and Emmy Awards. Following her retirement in 2012, she was honored by the U.S. House of Representatives for her years of service.
The event, organized by Deacon Dwight Howard and Marilyn Huff-Waller, was supported by 10 churches in Oglethorpe and surrounding counties.
“The purpose of this gathering is to unite the churches and communities of Oglethorpe County in a spirit of faith, fellowship and shared heritage,” said OCHS senior Kayden Watkins, this year’s STAR student. “We affirm that our heritage is a gift, our history is a testimony, and our faith is a foundation that keeps us moving forward.”
Collaborating churches included Fork Bethel Baptist, Friendship Baptist, New Bethlehem Baptist, Mt. Calvary Baptist, New Hope Baptist, New Springhill Baptist, Oconee Baptist, Piney Grove Baptist, Thankful Baptist (Carlton) and Thankful Baptist (Stephens).
Attendees were welcomed by song and an opening prayer before listening to several presentations that highlighted the cultural, economic and intellectual contributions of Black people to American society.
“We have so much history running through our veins,” said Jevon Harper McCoy of Friendship Baptist Church. “There’s no reason you cannot add to your excellence.”
Youth representatives from Fork Bethel Baptist Church showed everyday items to the crowd, including a hairbrush, ironing board, mop, doorknob and a golf tee, while recounting the Black inventors and their creations.
New Bethlehem Baptist Church presented on the African philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because you are,” connecting the concept to a lineage of influential Black leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Barack Obama.
The presentation also spotlighted regional trailblazers.
Marcus Goolsby, the county’s oldest active voter and first Black voter, received special recognition at 101 years old, as well as Mari- lyn Stone Robinson, the first Black woman to be elected to political office in Oglethorpe County. She served on the Board of Commissioners for 12 years.
Howard’s closing comments praised the turnout of the event and said the Black History Collaborative will return next year, with hopes to include even more churches to build on what he described as a powerful beginning.
“Everybody learned something today,” he said. “We’ve got to come to- gether on one accord, teach our kids through love and working with each other — we can do great things.”