MADISON – For the 19th anniversary of the annual Black History Enrichment and Enlightenment Festival, the event’s theme focused on “Sharing our Culture, Art in Education and Mentoring.”

“The festival brings culture awareness and understanding of the African-American culture to our youth and the community,” Rosie Douglas said. Douglas is President of Rosie’s International Services Inc., the event sponsor. COVID-19 drawbacks delayed the festival from its original date.

Students in local schools created artwork, and Huntsville Public Library displayed their designs.

Customarily, the program includes saxophonists, African drumming, gospel choirs, performing arts groups, Boys and Girls Club Choirs and youth talent. In addition, organizers presented Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and a portrayal of Sojourner Truth.

Schools generated enthusiasm of the festival with their help:

* “Tuskegee Airmen Award” — Signed by Tuskegee Airmen President, Tuskegee Chapter – TAI. Essay winners from Mae Jemison High School, Blossomwood Elementary School and Williams Middle School – Gifted and Talented School received a “Tuskegee Airmen of Excellence Award,” along with four instructors.

* “Soldier of the Year Award” — Presented to SFC Manuel J. Romo with the Space Missile Defense on Redstone Arsenal.

Romo works as Program Manager for Army Strategic Command with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. “Thank you for the honor of being the Soldier of the Year. I’m very grateful for this prestigious award. I’m thankful for support that Mrs. Rosie Douglas from Rosie’s International Services Inc. and the City of Huntsville have provided to the soldiers of Redstone Arsenal,” Romo said.

* “Doctor of the Year Award” — Dr. Margaret Carter, Obstetrics and Gynecology, with Maternal Fetal Medicine and Family Medicine. Carter also is an honoree for Women’s History Month, observed during March.

“I’m always happy to associate with organizations that gainfully support the community,” Carter said. A native of Louisiana, Carter has lived in practically every Southern state. She completed undergraduate education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. and medical school in New Orleans, La. She serves on numerous boards, such as Thrive Alabama and Jack and Jill of America Inc.

Douglas congratulated recipients of the “Black History Teachers – Artist of Year Award” from Jemison, Blossomwood, Williams, New Hope Elementary School and Seminole Boys and Girls Club. Winners of the “Student Artist of Year Award” went to Jemison, Williams, Blossomwood, New Hope and Seminole club.

African-American “culture lives on in education, music, art, science, engineering, dance, food, family and friends,” Douglas said. “We’re looking forward to our next year’s event.”

For more information, visit Facebook/Rosie’s International Services Inc.