NORFOLK, Va.— World-renowned poet, activist and former Virginia Tech professor Nikki Giovanni headlined a Black History Month celebration at the historic Attucks Theater in Norfolk on Saturday.
The Chesapeake P.E.A.R.L.S., Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Omicron Pi Omega Chapter hosted the Black History Month & Scholarship Celebration. The organization said roughly 400 people attended.
“It just means a lot to our organization, and really to the community, to be able to bring [Nikki Giovanni] here,” said Melinda Gainer, the CEO of The Chesapeake P.E.A.R.L.S., Incorporated, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Omicron Pi Omega Chapter.
During the Black History Month and Scholarship Celebration, Giovanni shared her timeless poetry and discussed her legendary career.
“I just try to reflect the truth as I know it,” said Giovanni of her poetry during a one-on-one conversation with News 3 Anchor Jessica Larche. "I think [Black people] are good people, and I think that should be reflected."
Larche, who served as the event’s emcee, is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
The sorority awarded several thousands of dollars in college scholarships to seven graduation seniors from Chesapeake Public Schools during the event.
“College is very expensive, so just to have that extra money [allows me] to [choose] where I want to go to college,” said scholarship recipient Eva Hudgins from Grassfield High School. “It is very important.”
The Black History Month & Scholarship Celebration also featured the Norfolk State University Jazz Ensemble and the Norfolk-based dance studio Dance Dimensions.
The sorority said proceeds from this year’s program will be used to support the organization's community service mission and provide deserving Hampton Roads students with financial assistance to attend college.
