National Park College (NPC) will host a virtual Black History Month event featuring
Spirit Tawfiq February 24 at 1 p.m. Welcome and introductions will be provided by
Roger Powell, NPC alumnus and pastor of The Cross Church of God in Christ. A special
video performance will be provided by Hot Springs World Class High School Dance Troupe
(HSDT) under the direction of Amy Bramlett-Turner.
Tawfiq bridges history to the present by speaking colorfully and truthfully about
her experience as the daughter of Little Rock Nine icon, Minnijean Brown Trickey who
desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Born and raised in Canada, she
grew up totally unaware of her mother’s major role in U.S. history. But upon learning,
she became voraciously passionate about uncovering the truth about this tragic and
victorious story that shifted the nation. Tawfiq’s journey back to her roots ignited
a deep commitment to honor her legacy and keep the movement alive through storytelling,
education, and the arts.
Powell is an accomplished social worker who leads a team of 25 caseworkers across
the state. His ambition is to lift individuals and families out of poverty. He is
currently in the master's program in the School of Social Work at the University of
Arkansas Little Rock. Powell launched The Cross of Garland County, an organization
that will lead in efforts to build thriving communities by empowering individuals
and families across the state. He is Pastor of The Cross Church of God In Christ and
is extremely motivated, determined, and ready to be a change agent for our communities.
The Hot Springs World Class High School Dance Troupe will perform Broken Reflection.
The dance is choreographed by director Amy Bramlett Turner and inspired by student
reflections. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing concerns of racial injustices
in our country, this past year has been chaotic and transformative. Student dancers
reflected on their personal experiences as well as the climate of our present circumstances
to dig into questions, possible solutions, and roots of social issues. The performance
is inspired by the frustrations of preconceptions that rarely represent individuals
accurately.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required
and can be completed at np.edu/black-history.
