Delco Council Honors Black History Month

The declared February as Black History Month in Delaware County in recognition of the African American leaders of America.

The resolution was read at last week's council meeting and was accepted by several leaders and role models in the Delaware County African American community. Several students from Science and Discovery High School in the Chester-Upland School District were also in attendance.

Mary Edwards, founder and chair of the Citizens Community Task Force, said America was built on the sweat and blood of African American descendents and the young people are the future of the country.

“The young people are our future. White, blue, green and black, they are our future,” Edwards, who was also celebrating her 92nd birthday, said at the meeting.

Chester City Major Wendell Butler thanked the county council for recognizing the accomplishments of African Americans in Delaware County and appreciated that the students were in attendance. 

“It’s great to have these students come out so they can understand the importance,” Butler said.

The resolution honored all of the contributions and achievements of African Americans. The resolution mentioned that Delaware County is home to Cheyney University, the nation’s oldest black institution of higher learning, and mentioned that African Americans were among the first settlers in the county and continue to contribute to its growth and development.

Accepting the resolution along with Edwards and Butler were Donna Davis, of the Chester Upland School Board, Darby Borough Mayor Helen Thomas, Linda Osinupebi, president of the Yeadon NAACP, Nolan O. Woodland, of the Chester School of Arts, Darrell Jones, president of the Chester branch of the NAACP and Janice Davis, president of the Darby Borough Council.