By Jonathan Ochart

USAG - Baden-Wuerttemberg Public Affairs

HEIDELBERG, Germany - The United States celebrates the importance of ethnic diversity, ranging from hosting Chinese New Years parades to relishing the taste of Hispanic cuisine.

Since February is Black History Month, Americans bring light to African-Americans and their importance in American society.

Heidelberg High School’s Junior Association for the Advancement of Minorities (JAAM) organized a presentation highlighting the contributions of African-Americans Thursday in the school auditorium, capturing Black History Month’s intent.

The organization works to "show the traditions of various cultures through community service programs in the school and the community," said Brandi Lewis-Johnson, president of JAAM. "Exploring the different nationalities and ethnic groups around the world" is important to her and its members.

To High School Career Practicum Coordinator and JAAM sponsor Emily Gourdine, giving back to the community is a top priority. Living by the words of former Chrysler president and CEO Lee Iacocca, Gourdine says that "we do not live in a society of entitlement. It is one where you learn, earn and return."

Continuing JAAM’s reputation of highlighting cultures and their customs, JAAM chose to stress Black History Month’s national theme – "Black Economic Empowerment" – through a variety of performances, such as reading Maya Angelou’s "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and reenacting W.E.B Du Bois and Booker T. Washington’s historical debate.

Brandi Lewis-Johnson performed George C. Wolfe’s dramatic monologue titled "The Colored Museum." The monologue "recalled historical African-Americans, like Nat Turner, Malcolm X, and Stevie Wonder, who have contributed to the economy and entertainment," Lewis-Johnson said.

"I felt like it was my duty and calling because I am of the African-American race," the JAAM president said. "It is important to recall my history."

The USAREUR Chorus also performed for students and community members with tunes and dances.

In addition to reenacting classic songs sung by African-Americans, such as "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," the chorus paid tribute to Michael Jackson with a medley consisting of songs such as "Thriller" and "Billy Jean".

However, JAAM also imparted the notion of giving back within their presentation. Members of the organization prepared an original skit titled "Giving Back," which conveyed the importance of helping others through succeeding in life.

The skit was especially important to Gourdine, because she tries to return the help she received during her youth to her own students.

"My Guidance counselor helped me, and that is why I wanted to become one. As a counselor, I felt like I could help students select careers, colleges and help them determine who they were as individuals. As a counselor for 27 years, I do exactly what some did for me," Gourdine said.

Moreover, Gourdine works to instill skills within her students that her grandfather taught her.

"My grandfather taught me so much. He was a wise man, a World War I veteran, and he accepted no excuses," Gourdine recalled. "He also taught me how to be independent and to not have fear in expressing my opinions. He stressed that to get along well in life you have to work hard."

Gourdine and JAAM succeeded in giving back to the community through their Black History Month

celebration. Audience members danced, sang and connected with the performers.

Brandi Lewis-Johnson particularly "liked how different races were involved."

"[I am] certainly proud of the students and their performance," Gourdine said. "It took a lot of practice."

Through giving back to the community and imparting the impact African-Americans have had upon the United States, Gourdine’s hope "that Black history could be celebrated all year" may come true.