Edward Waters College News February 2015 EWC Hosts the 28th Annual Black Heritage Weekend Edward Waters College (EWC) welcomed more than 2,400 young people from Florida and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for the 28th Annual Black Heritage Weekend held February 13th - 15th. Black Heritage Weekend is sponsored by the 11th Episcopal District Young People's and Children's Division (YPD) of the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is a weekend of activities designated to promote high self-esteem, academic achievement, and spiritual growth, while focusing on the African American and Bahamian heritage. The event kicked off in the Adams-Jenkins Sports and Music Complex where EWC President, Dr. Nathaniel Glover welcomed the attendees. His remarks were followed by a spirited performance by the Triple Threat Marching Band and Tiger Cheerleaders. Under the leadership of Episcopal YPD Director, Senjena Clay, this event was initiated in 1987 with 600 young people participating. Since that time, the number of participants has increased to over 3,000 and the event has been held in many places across the State of Florida. Traditionally, during a weekend in February, young people exhibit their talents in poetry, monologue, spelling, visual art/poster, oration, vocal/instrumental/dance performances, chess and essay writing. Competitive events are divided into age categories with first, second and third place winners selected from each event and age category. Conference team competitions include drama, cheerleading, brain bowl, basketball, volleyball and kickball. The weekend culminates with Sankofa (service of praise and thanksgiving). The service is planned and carried out by members of the YPD. Edward Waters College was established in 1866 by the founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate newly emancipated slaves. This is the seventh straight year Black Heritage Weekend has been held at Edward Waters College. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.