Springfield Promise to host Black Excellence Extravaganza

Springfield Promise Neighborhood will celebrate Black History Month by recognizing local history in the making locally.

The nonprofit organization’s annual Black Excellence Extravaganza will have guest speakers, live entertainment, activities, food and more, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 at Hayward Middle School, 1700 Clifton Ave.

Registration is required and the registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 14.

The Extravaganza has been an opportunity to recognize Black History Month and educate and entertain the community according to Springfield Promise executive director Kali Lawrence.

“People like the social aspect, the chance to hear from successful community leaders, and have fun and education in a family event,” she said. “People are very up for an event like this.”

The guest speaker will be Michael Tyler, who was born in Springfield and is the director of marketing for the Columbus College of Art and Design. Tyler is an education advocate and involved in historical discovery and research.

Tyler delivered the opening remarks in a ceremony honoring the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis of Alabama.

The Black Diamonds step team will do a live performance and there will be art, music and STEM activities for the students and parents will be able to attend a food and nutrition cooking session and the chance to get meal kits. All Seasons Catering will provide the food for the event.

Traditionally, the event was at Lincoln Elementary School and moves to Hayward for the first time. Lawrence said a strong relationship built with Hayward recently was a chance to use it for this year’s Extravaganza.

Springfield Promise is working on several future projects including multi-cultural activities for an event in March and is preparing to open its Community Garden’s second season.

To register for the Extravaganza or for more information, go to Springfield Promise’s Facebook page.

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