photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph John Tyler High School head football coach Ricklan Holmes speaks during the school's Black History Month program in Tyler, Texas Friday Feb. 27, 2015. The theme was African Americans in the Arts and Entertainment.

Douglas Elementary School student Markell Johnson got hands clapping Friday afternoon as he danced to the music of Michael Jackson’s famous song, “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough.”

The rendition was part of Douglas’ second annual black history celebration, African Americans in the Arts and Entertainment.

Organizers said the program is based on black history and the importance of celebrating influential African Americans. This year’s program was orchestrated by Douglas’ Black History Committee, consisting of four teachers from Douglas, including Patreshia Bradley, Craig Dickey, Ashley Green, and Shastee Johnson

“This is an annual event that we do every year on our campus,” said Mrs. Bradley, a second grade teacher at Douglas Elementary. “We try to include both our students and staff to be a part of it.”

Special guests included Ricklan Holmes, John Tyler’s head football coach, and black history music performer Debra Hammons. Several Douglas Elementary students participated during the hour-long celebration. Some students performed as famous African Americans, such as Avery Coleman, who depicted B.B. King, and Markell Johnson, performing as Michael Jackson.

Jaden Brown impersonated the famous actor Tyler Perry and KeiLah Feildsperformed as actress Cicely.

Additionally, Mrs. Jones’ fourth-grade class performed a positive poetry reading by Maya Angelou. Six students performed a black history dance routine that was choreographed by faculty member Anete Swisher.

The Black History celebration ended with remembrance of one of Douglas Elementary’s teachers, Mrs. Kitina Evans-Robertson, who passed away on Jan. 12. The Douglas Staff Choir sang “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and “Wade in the Water” in her honor. 

“We make it a community event, so we can invite the parents and let them know we are doing something positive at our school,” said Mrs. Bradley. 

@TMTMelissa