African American Symposium Draws Record Crowd

A record attendance of nearly four-hundred students and adults crowded into Vista Del Lago (VDL) High School recently to celebrate the third annual African American Symposium, an evening devoted to enlightenment, inspiration and encouraging students of color to rise to their potential. Superintendent Dr. Judy D. White, who opened the symposium with warm and encouraging words, was followed by Vista Del Lago’s Chamber Choir, under the direction of Tyler Bettge, performing an inspirational rendition of the Negro National Anthem (Lift Every Voice and Sing) by James Weldon Johnson. Special guests and distinguished members of the community were greeted and welcomed by Master of Ceremony Anthony Wilkins, and special recognition was given to symposium sponsors Wells Fargo Bank and Empire Sports. A dance performance was given by the VDL Symposium Step Team under the direction of Christee Lemons. A rousing saxophone solo was performed by local musician and former VDL student Curtis Brooks. The keynote address was given by Performer/Musician/Producer Arron White of Slingshot Media, who captivated the audience with witty humor, hyperbole and double-entendres. By the end of his one-man show, The Blood They Shed, audience members were contemplating their civic responsibilities. At the conclusion of the show, participants were divided into groups of male and female to attended break-out sessions with Symposium Committee member and Upward Bound Math and Science program director at Moreno Valley College, Miki Clowney, and President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino, A. Majadi.