Sam Houston High School’s annual Black History Program will be extra special this year. Teacher and activist Opal Lee, “the grandmother of Juneteenth” will be the event’s keynote speaker.

Everyone is invited to the program on Feb. 16, from 6-8 p.m. in Sam Houston’s main auditorium.

“To have Opal Lee as this year’s speaker is a treat for us here at Sam,” said Sam Houston High School principal Juan Villarreal. “Her advocacy for the community but also humanity falls right into alignment with the core values here at Sam because we are such a diverse campus. I am proud of the Black History program and all the staff at Sam who work so hard to ensure it is a success year after year. As Sam’s principal, it truly is an honor.”

The Black History program is spear-headed by U.S. history/African American studies teacher Graylon Roberson. He hopes the community will come together to enjoy a night of music, dance and inspiration.

“We are over the moon to have Mrs. Opal Lee as our keynote speaker this year,” Roberson said. “Attendees can witness students, staff, alumni and community members come together in many ways to honor our theme: ‘Igniting the Change: It’s Bigger Than Us.’ We’ve worked hard to put on a good show so we can’t wait to see everyone there as we celebrate Black history and American history.”

Attendees can expect performances by the SHHS choir, SHHS community jazz band, the TCC Movers Unlimited Dance Troupe, and the poetry group Young People of Color. There will also be special video messages from U.S. Congressmen Marc Veasey and Colin Allred and, of course, the phenomenal keynote speaker, Opal Lee.

Opal Lee will also host a book signing after the program concludes, and light refreshments will be served.

Purchase tickets for the program by clicking here. Tickets are just $3, and the proceeds go to the Black History Month Scholarship Fund. College scholarships are awarded to Sam Houston seniors who work with the Black History program.

You can donate to directly to the scholarship program by clicking here.