T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E
world is a great joy to me.” Individuals 18 years of age and under are eligible to participate in the showcase. Performance options include singing, praise dancing, playing musical instruments, orations and more. Motivational speakers, MCs and comedians also attend and perform throughout the rally. In reflecting on the event, Davis said, “I love to see youth involved and given the opportunity to advance themselves. TCBHA is an avenue where youth can excel and exemplify their inner-them. Sometimes they don’t get that opportunity and we want to open the door to give them every opportunity to showcase their talents. It takes courage!” Hickory Hill Baptist Church has served as the venue for the rally for years. It began with the late Reverend Paul Keener opening up his church for the youth to come and be able to show off what they can do. Without hesitation or any conflicts, he would always be open to the event. Now, after Reverend Keener’s passing, Reverend James Hood stepped up to continue what Reverend Keener started. He has graciously opened the doors, and the church membership welcomes everyone with open arms. Texarkana has made a tremendous impact on the individuals involved in TCBHA. Pickett stated, “Being the wife of a military person, I lived abroad for 30+ years. I appreciated the opportunity, but there was nothing like coming home to Texarkana. I never thought I would work at the same high school I graduated from. Texarkana has changed a lot over the past 62 years. It has changed for the better; we are recognizing diversity and the strength of
all people. I could have lived anywhere in the United States, but I chose Texarkana.” Medlock said, “In moving to Texarkana, I was able to obtain higher education. I first graduated from Texarkana College, then moved on to East Texas University, then to Texas A&M University-Texarkana. This had a major impact on me as an individual who knew the importance of higher education. I have served on several boards, gone through Leadership Texarkana, have had the opportunity to network and work for an employer where I feel like I am free to be me. I have been embraced by the community as a whole and I feel good about Texarkana.” President Medlock said, “Since joining TCBHA, I have learned a great deal more about the black history in Texarkana. If you don’t know the history, you do not know where you are going and the purpose, design and hope of what needs to be accomplished. It has helped me better understand where we have been and the direction of where we need to go. It has helped me become more involved and have a greater awareness of what is needed in the African American community. We are about helping people. It has no color. They have a need, and we want to help.” The Twin City Black History Association has recently launched a brand-new website, www.tcbha.org. The website serves as a resource to the Texarkana community on TCBHA initiatives, upcoming events and activities. TCBHA encourages every Texarkana citizen to get involved and make a difference by inspiring, recognizing and preserving our black history and culture.
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C OMM U N I T Y & C U L T U R E
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