PirateQ 
Dr. Kern Jackson
“Resistance, resilience and survival” was the message Dr. Kern Jackson left with attendees of Pensacola State College’s “A Black History Celebration of the African Diaspora” held Tuesday on the Pensacola campus.
Jackson, a co-writer and co-producer of the Netflix documentary, “Descendant,” and an associate professor at the University of South Alabama, was among the featured guests to share their talents and messages at the annual event.
African drummers Lepoleon Williams and Polimatree along with Nigerian-Cuban Bata drumming trio – Mike Kilmer’s Group ─ performed traditional music.
Vocalist Jakima Murphy sang the beloved hymn, “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior,” and the Negro spiritual “Wade in the Water.”
Author and community educator Robin Reshard performed a libation ceremony to honor the African ancestors. Longtime Escambia County historian, the late Dr. Marion Williams, was memorialized in a short video presentation. Williams passed away in November.
Dr. Rameca Leary, PSC administrative liaison for the Black History/Multicultural Committee, delivered the invitation for the celebration. Anita Bronson, the College’s assistant director of Records, welcomed guests to the event.
Assorted vendors were on hand for the event, which included a lunch of traditional African-American foods. The celebration was broadcast live on WBQP-TV Channel 12.
The event was sponsored by the College’s Black History/Multicultural Committee.
