- February 16, 2026
Matanzas High's Blue Diamonds Step Team — Reniah Appling, Camari Johnson, Jazmin Mills and Lily Calhoun — perform at the 23rd annual AACS Black History Youth Program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas high School senior Sheldon Headley, who has participated in the AACS Youth Black History Program since he was in third grade, served as the "griot" for the evening. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Youth Black History performers on stage in the skit, Woke: Evolution & Pride. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Mount Calvary Baptist Church Youth Dance Team, Nyla Reese, D'Amoura Freeman and Aaliah Reese. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Mount Calvary Baptist Church Youth Dance Team, D'Amoura Freeman, Aaliah Reese and Nyla Reese. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Zion Jones recites a poem, "Celebration". Photo by Brent Woronoff
Flagler County NAACP Youth Council Advisory Board members Samantha Brown and Deidra Burkley ask questions to Youth Council members Alana McDuffie and Nevaeh Walker in a panel discussion. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Flagler County NAACP Youth Council members Alana McDuffie and Nevaeh Walker participate in the AACS 23rd annual Youth Black History Program. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jeannette Wheeler, the founder of the AACS Youth Black History Program, says a few words. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Nyla Reese delivers the invocation. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Houston White (center) interviews AACS members as part of the Woke: Evolution & Pride skit. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas High's Blue Diamonds Step Team Reniah Appling, Camari Johnson, Jazmin Mills and Lily Calhoun. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Black History Program participants receive their certificates. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Harriett Whiting (right), chair of the Youth Black History Committee with other committee members. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The term “woke” can be traced back to a quote in 1938 by blues musician Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, in discussing his song, “The Scottsboro Boys.” Warning African Americans in Alabama to stay vigilant against racial injustice, Ledbetter said, “I advise everybody, be a little careful when they go along through there — best stay woke, keep their eyes open.”
The African American Cultural Society’s 23rd annual Youth Black History Program discussed a topical issue while going back to its historical roots. The theme of the program, presented Sunday, Feb. 15, at the AACS Cultural Center in Palm Coast, was, “Proud to be Woke!”
In explaining how the students came up with the theme, Harriett Whiting, the AACS Youth Black History Committee chairperson, said African Americans have used the word “woke” for years.
“It’s taken from a group of people who have been using this term for years, something that we think is very important and very positive,” she said. “And it’s been cast into such a negative light.”
Through skits and a panel discussion, students discussed some issues they face today such as African American literature removed from book shelves and history lessons reshaped.
In the skit, “Woke: Evolution & Pride”, a student says that making books unavailable “can lead to misunderstandings, stereotypes of belief that experiences don't matter. It also affects identity. For Black students, especially, seeing their history and culture presented in books can build pride and confidence. For others, it builds empathy and awareness. Without these stories, it's harder for young people to fully understand themselves and each other and the world around them.”
Matanzas High School senior Sheldon Headley served as “griot” for the program. Headley has been involved in the AACS Youth Black history Program since he was in third grade. He also sang the song, “Rise Up”.
The Matanzas High School Blue Diamonds Step Team and the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Youth Dance Team performed.
The Flagler County NAACP Youth Council provided a panel discussion. Alana McDuffie and Nevaeh Walker were on the panel providing viewpoints to topics raised by Youth Council Advisor Samantha Brown and Advisory Board member Deidra Burkley.
“Progress isn’t always steady,” McDuffie said. “Young people still believe in pushing forward.”
