Diversity Matters Day In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, Diversity Matters in Beachwood presented its 11th annual African-American History Celebration at the Beachwood High School on Sunday, Feb. 21. The theme for this year’s historical view through performance and music was “Out of Darkness and Into the Light.”The Reverend Dr. Todd C. Davidson of the Antioch Baptist Church was this year’s keynote speaker, and his topic was “Knowledge of Self and Connecting the Past to the Present.” Program participants included: Amonica Davis, Gregory Perryman, Langston Gaines-Smith, Devaughn Starks, Michael Whitaker, Mikaela Whitaker, Dassan Rhodes, Mariah Thomas, Nat Turner, Jireh Bevel, John Brown, Hannah Kahn, Marissa Thomas, Mia Knight, William Starks, Kelsea Brown, Carolyn Farley and Malinda Creel. Local vendors displayed and sold their merchandise prior to the program. A free pot luck soul-food dinner was served following the program. This year’s program committee included Pam Rhodes, Peter and Lisa Gaines, Dee Tabb, Carolyn Farley, Darinka Hardy and Lisa Whitaker. “Diversity Matters thanks the parents and students who helped make our program a success,” said Diversity Matters president Pam Rhodes.“Special thanks to the staff of Beachwood Schools and the members of the Board of Education for continued support.” In recognition of this day, Mayor Merle S. Gorden and City Council proclaimed Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 as “Diversity Matters Day” in the City of Beachwood. The proclamation was presented to Rhodes by Council member Martin Horwitz. Diversity Matters in Beachwood is a district-wide organization dedicated to creating unity, diversity and awareness of the African American culture within the Beachwood Schools and to enhance educational and community enrichment via programs and events. The Gathering Place Warehouse Beautiful Home Furnishings & Home Accessories The Price is Right! Saturday, April 16 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17 • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 4911 Commerce Parkway • Warrensville Heights Great Finds! Come Shop with Us! Cash or Credit Card Only Proceeds help The Gathering Place support, educate & empower those touched by cancer through programs and services provided free of charge. For more information, call 216-595-9546 or visit www.touchedbycancer.org/warehouse. Say it with LOVE – perfect for Mother's Day, Birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, Anniversaries and Graduations! SHY by Sydney Evan, $125-$150. at ETON ~ Chagrin Blvd. 28699 Chagrin Blvd. • 216-831-4444 Mon. ~ Sat. 10 to 6:30 • Sun ~ noon to 5 www.mulhollandsachs.com For the Complex Legal Issues Facing Families Today • Divorce • Dissolution • Child Support • Child Custody • Negotiated Settlements Pictured: Reverend Dr. Todd C. Davidson, Sr. Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church; Pam Rhodes, Diversity Matters president; and Martin Horwitz, City Council president. Volunteers greet attendees and guests as they partake at the buffet. Alice Rickel Associates Attorneys at Law Alice Rickel, LLC 3690 Orange Place • Suite 440 • Beachwood www.rickelaw.com • 216.831.1434 April 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 25