Overview

The Black History Celebrations is an organization committed to celebrating the legacy of the African American Heritage, including significant and historical achievements by people, groups, individuals, movements, companies, and organizations regardless of ethnicity, sex, or religion. The annual Black History Celebrations biggest event is the famous annual Black History Parade that features some of the top marching bands in the country, such as Jackson State University known as the Sonic Boom of the South. The parade is usually led be a grand marshal, an honorary position, bestowed as an honor to someone who has had significant impact on the community. BHC (Black History Celebrations) also celebrates those who have impacted African American culture during the annual Black History Honors, an awards night, in which awards are bestowed upon individuals who have changed or greatly influenced the lives of others. 5 individuals were awarded in 2018, including 2 pastors are as follow: Honorable Charles Lawrence, Judge, City Attorney, and Councilman (Ret.) City of Hattiesburg Grand Marshall of 20th Annual Black History Parade '18 Bishop D. Franklin Brown, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church Most Impactful Person of the Year Award Carlos Wilson, Pastor Ebeneezer Baptist Church Most Influential Person of the Year Award Dr. Peggy Ainsworth, Founder, Black History Parade Person of the Decade Award Mavis Creagh, Executive Director R3SM Lifetime Acheivement Award BHC operates throughout the year, partnering with local businesses in the community, through strategic fundraising, and other endeavors to support the annual BHC Week, usually held in February, the nationally recognized black history month. BCH also plans to introduce it's first ever, Hall of Fame Inductee Class of 2019. BCH 2018's Executive Committee was Clarence Magee (Pres. of NAACP), Mark Lewellen (Executive, Walmart), Pat McGee (Executive, Pepsi), and David Walker (Administrator, HPSD).