Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Staff, residents and volunteers at Brynwood Health & Rehabilitation Center came together to bring awareness to Black History on Feb. 22. Their celebration included special food, recognitions, informative presentations and music that, according to Activities Directory Tiwana Miller, gave the gathering a positive vibe full of happiness and appreciation.
“Several staff combined together to bring their favorite dish that ancestors and Africa American families would cook back in the day,” said Miller. “Many volunteers also supported the event with cooking and bringing their favorite known dish. It was so much food! The residents enjoyed it so much.”
Brynwood Administrator David Keighley, who loves to cook, supported the event from the start to the end and contributed some delicious, well-seasoned dishes himself. Director of Nursing Brittany Holmes ordered items for the event and made sure the residents enjoyed every moment.
The program began with Holmes recognizing Brynwood's Employee of the Year, Nursing Assistant/Restorative Aide Evelyn Williams, with a speech on her commitment to her job and the residents.
“Evelyn blazed in tears as tears freely flowed down her face while giving all praise to an amazing God and Jesus Christ, who kept her through her own personal trials and healing her throughout the years from cancer,” said Miller. “Evelyn shared with great gratitude that all the honor goes to Him, and she was so appreciative of the recognition of her hard work because truly she loves her residents.”
Miller says that Williams has compassion for every resident that she encounters throughout the day and does whatever she can do to “touch the soul of that resident, to make sure they are given the best care that they deserve.”
The next part of the program was dedicated to appreciation of Black History. Brynwood residents were involved in these activities, beginning with Ron Chavis reading a scripture. Cynthia Atkins delivered a speech about her parents and their role in raising her. She shared information on the purpose of Black History and the importance of sharing knowledge to help each other. Another resident, Bryant Quinn, gave testimony about his adoptive parents, who were African-American. He recalled tearfully how his mother prayed many nights for him, which he believes helped him endure many troubles and tribulations.
Dorina Smith added further depth to the program by leading a sing-along of “Wade in the Water,” “Down by the Riverside,” “You Fight On” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Then Volunteer Sylvia Sheffield talked about Sojourner Truth (given name Isabella Baumfree), sharing the history of this powerful Black woman's life and reading a speech she delivered in 1851, reminding a cheering crowd that women were equal to men.
To end the program, Tamura Byrd-Mathis performed several songs, including “Thank you Lord,” “If I Had Wings” and more, which brought the audience to tears.
After such an exciting and meaningful celebration for the residents, Brynwood staff are already planning their next event. On Tuesday, March 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., teenagers will be visiting to engage with residents in an afternoon of bingo, coordinated by Brynwood's Admission and Life Enrichment departments.
For more information, contact Miller at (850) 997-1800.
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