Feb. 3 program to feature North Clackamas School Board Chair Libra Forde, new City Councilor Desi Nicodemus.

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Ledding Library and Milwaukie History Society have partnered on a 6:30 p.m. program set for Wednesday, Feb. 3, titled Celebrating Black Excellence.

Greg "Frank" Hemer of the Historical Society said organizers decided to change the title of their annual Black History Month program to Celebrating Black Excellence in an effort to tie together historical trends and increase the impact of our shared history.

"History should enhance all in a timeline, and calling out a designated month segregates our history," Hemer said.

Celebrating Black Excellence, a virtual program, will feature North Clackamas School District Chair Libra Forde and newest Milwaukie Councilor Desi Nicodemus. Both elected leaders have crusaded for social justice recently by helping organize Black Lives Matter rallies in 2020.

During the Feb. 3 program, Forde and Nicodemus are planning to provide relatable experiences of how they have been treated because of the color of their skin, not only in Oregon, but where they grew up and their experiences throughout the world. They will discuss their accomplishments, such as winning public office, and explore why they ran, what it means for the Milwaukie and North Clackamas communities and what enhancements they are striving toward.

Celebrating Black Excellence will examine what it means to bring together communities and create unity. Forde and Nicodemus will provide their advice about why it is important to be involved in order to achieve community goals.

There are a variety of ways to watch a recording or participate in the live discussion. By using Zoom, you can ask questions in the chat feature during the live broadcast. You can watch live on Comcast Channel 30 (within city limits), the city of Milwaukie YouTube page or live stream on the Milwaukie Chit Chat Facebook group. Check milwaukieoregon.com for more details.