Talladega College recently held its annual Black History Convocation, a powerful celebration of Black heritage and resilience that resonated deeply with attendees. The event, themed “Mosaics: Celebrating Pieces of Black History Through Storytelling,” featured Emmy Award-winning actor and director Gregory Alan Williams as the keynote speaker on February 6, 2025, in the historic DeForest Chapel.
The convocation opened with a stirring address by Dr. Edward L. Hill, Jr., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Talladega College. Hill set the tone for the event by reminding the audience of the sacrifices made by ancestors in the pursuit of equality. “You are the hope and the dream of the slave,” he stated, invoking the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and framing the convocation as a tribute to those who have paved the way.
As the atmosphere in DeForest Chapel resonated with Dr. Hill’s impactful words about the sacrifices of ancestors and the enduring power of dreams, the audience braced themselves for the next chapter of the celebration. With a spirit of anticipation in the air, Gregory Alan Williams took the stage, ready to weave his own narrative into the vibrant tapestry of Black history, urging attendees to recognize and share the stories that shape their identities.
Williams, known for his compelling roles in popular television series such as HBO/MAX’s “The Righteous Gemstones” and OWN’s “Greenleaf,” captivated the audience with his reflections on the importance of storytelling in preserving Black history. “Boy, if I hear or see another victim story,” he exclaimed, challenging the narrative often associated with Black experiences. “How will you tell us about Arthur Bacon, class of ’61, artist, scientist, and civil rights leader? How will you tell us about Dr. Seqwana Pryor, class of ’92, a world tech leader?” He shared the names of several Talladegans who have blazed intrepid trails, becoming changemakers and ceiling breakers. He wanted to make the point that there are many stories of success yet to be told.
Through his eloquence, Williams urged attendees to recognize the significance of their individual stories within the larger mosaic of Black history. “At the end of any battle, any great struggle, it is the victor who creates the mosaic, who tells the story of that struggle,” he said, emphasizing the imperative to reclaim narratives that are often overshadowed or erased. “Look around you. And then go home and look in the mirror. Yours is the victory.”
In a poignant moment, Williams addressed the ongoing challenges of historical erasure, especially in a contemporary climate where some seek to ban books and restrict discussions about race. “Many of our leaders and countrymen seek to rewrite and obscure the empirical evidence that made our battles necessary,” he cautioned. “But make no mistake, we are the victors. Yours is the story now to be told.”
The convocation was also marked by stirring performances from The Golden Voices of Miles College, whose renditions of “Lift Every Voice & Sing” and “I’ve Been ’Buked” underscored the event’s theme.
In his remarks, Williams highlighted the need for personal narratives to be shared and celebrated. “Did you not, do you not also have a dream? Did you not, do you not sometimes see yourself on a mountaintop?” he asked. “Your story is important to somebody somewhere. Tell your story, and they will know.”
Talladega College Interim President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the necessity of telling Black stories in an era of increasing censorship. “We must find powerful ways to tell our stories when there are so many people trying to erase them,” he said. “This is our responsibility going forward.”
As the event concluded, the Talladega County alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, made a generous $10,000 donation to the college, further underscoring the communal spirit of the convocation.
Talladega College’s Black History Convocation not only honored the past but also ignited a call to action for future generations to uphold the legacy of storytelling. Williams’s message resonated deeply, reminding all in attendance that every story, no matter how small, is a vital part of the larger narrative of Black history.
To watch a recording of the event, visit the official Talladega College YouTube Channel.
