WS Chronicle

Photo by Tevin Stinson

BY TEVIN STINSON 

THE CHRONICLE

The gymnasium of Carter G. Woodson School (CGWS) was filled with fun and excitement last Friday night as dozens came out to celebrate the school’s 19th anniversary.

Donning their best evening attire, elected officials, community leaders, and other supporters of the school came together for a night of dancing, dining, and entertainment. The memorable event known as the Black and White Gala is designed to  raise funds for the school’s study/travel abroad program.

Every summer CGWS sends students to the continent of Africa to learn and connect with those native to the second largest continent on the planet.

On past trips to the “motherland,” students visited Tanzania, Kenya, Arusha, Dar es Salam, and Zanzibar. While on their visit, students have the opportunity to create different types of art such as paintings, drawings, and even poems, while interacting with students from Africa.

CGWS founder Hazel Mack said the main goal of the trip is to get students thinking about their purpose in life and where they fit in the world. She mentioned it also allows students to connect with their roots and learn more about their heritage.

More than 59 percent of students at CGWS are African-American.

“Traveling to Africa teaches the students more than they could ever get in a classroom,” said Mack. “Most importantly, after the trip students understand how much God has blessed them.”

Junior Tiara Logan who traveled to Tanzania last summer said since the trip, she values the life she has here in America a lot more.

She said the things she experienced while in Africa are something she will remember for the rest of her life. She noted what really opened her eyes was the lack of assistance people in Africa receive from the government.

“I value life a lot more since the trip,” she continued. “In Africa, government assistance is not an option people really don’t have in some places and it’s really sad.”

“Since visiting Africa, I now give 100 percent effort in everything I do in the classroom and at home.”

Junior Christopher Price echoed Logan’s statements. He said, “Unlike America where we have corruption and corrupt people, on the continent of Africa everyone is working towards the common goal of becoming better people.

“Everybody is just trying to better themselves,” he said, “That’s what I enjoyed most about the trip, that peaceful atmosphere and connecting with the people.”

According to school officials, this year students will travel to Kenya and Tanzania.

For more information on Carter G. Woodson School or the travel abroad program, visit the school’s official website at www.carterg-woodsonschool.org.