Evans shares Black history

WESTFALL - Carolyn Evans, an illustrious African American poet, performing artist, and motivational speaker, was a Jan. 24 guest speaker for social studies classes at Delaware Valley High School. Evans’ performance was entitled, “A mother’s cry for American justice”. She portrayed Emmett Till’s mother in a dramatic presentation. Emmett Till was a teenager who was kidnapped and brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955, supposedly for whistling at a white woman. Till’s killers were acquitted by an all white jury. The case was reopened in 2004. Evans’ performance shared her personal story with students. She referred to her cousin, Leroy Moton, as a “civil rights hero” during the description of his account which took place in 1965. Moton was in a car helping a white female civil rights activist, Viola Gregg Liuzzo, to find the office that was coordinating the Selma civil rights marches when a car full of Klu Klux Klan members gave chase. Once Moton’s car pulled over, both Luizzo and Moton were shot at repeatedly. Luizzo died instantly while Moton played dead. Using this story, Evans illustrated the necessity of determination, perseverance, and survival in one’s life. Personal anecdotes of racial inequality were also shared with the audience. Evans’ message of the travesties of racism turned into a message of inspiration. She encouraged students to “do whatever it takes to make it and survive” saying that they should “work, dig deep… everyone has the source within themselves.” February is Black History Month.