Copperas Cove business celebrates Black History Month
By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press
Dozens of participants danced for hours in the street of the Santa Fe Parking Lot Saturday to celebrate black American heritage in honor of Black History Month.
The Black History Month event was organized by Shanda Scott, owner of Gifted Hands Salon and Spa and Dance Galleria and started at 2 p.m.
In addition to the dancing, they also had food, games, dinner, and other events. For example, they had a crossword competition which they had to name which famous black historian said each quote.
“It is so important to celebrate black history,” said Scott. “I’m a black American and I really love my culture…I want to represent and bring more black culture to Copperas Cove.”
Scott said that it is important to her to celebrate our area’s diversity. She added that, as a black American, she wants to help raise awareness of black history in our area. She said that there are so many people in history that go unrecognized, and she wants to help highlight some of those individuals.
This is Scott’s 16th year operating her business in Copperas Cove. Gifted Hands is located at the corner of Avenue D and 1st Street, in the former Baggett Drug Store location.
Scott said that she loved participating in Saturday’s dancing, especially seeing the reactions of some of those driving by. She said that there were several people that stopped to watch, and several more that cheered or yelled out in support as they drove by. She said that some of those that stopped to watch even had tears while they watched with smiles on their faces.
“I love it,” said Cassandra Core-Holt who participated in Saturday’s event. “I love [Shanda] and that she’s so inclusive…and she does a really good job with my hair.”
Core-Holt said that she loves how events like Saturday’s Black History Month event help to raise awareness of black American heritage.
“If American history was more inclusive from the start, then we wouldn’t need Black History Month,” added Kelvin Holt.
Many of those who participated in the dancing were members of a line dancing group organized by Myriam Rodriguez. Those interested in learning more about the group can stop by for a class which is held at Gifted Hands’ dance studio on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Scott said that she and members of her dance group regularly volunteer at Copperas Cove and Killeen nursing homes. Scott’s ability to use sign language can help her to make a huge impact as well.
“We come together as one and put a smile on someone’s face,” said Scott.