First Baptist Church East End, Hosts Black History Month Program
Audrey Perry Williams, President Hampton Roads Branch
On Saturday, February 8th, First Baptist Church East End (FBCEE), 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Jamaar T. Jones and an Institutional Member of ASALH, Hampton Roads Branch, held its annual Black History Month Program on the theme: African Americans and Labor.
The program was impressive, and it received rave reviews from the 250 people present. However, one of our presenters of spoken word was Chaniya Painter who wrote and recited an original poem, entitled “The Come Up”. The poem is an awesome representation of African Americans and Labor.
She is the daughter of Chavela Painter and a senior at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School in Newport News, VA. She is a member of FBCEE, and is active in numerous church ministries, Hospitality and Care Team, and Worship and Arts Ministry. She is an award-winning poet, placing third place for a self-written poem. She serves on PAC: President’s Advisory Committee as an Advisor to the President (CEO) of An Achievable Dream Inc. She serves as a Court Official with the Youth Justice Division Program in Newport News. She is in the NASA Ambassador Program and was recently inducted into the Mayor’s Youth Commission in Newport News.
There is no way we can provide all the things that she has done. Just note, when you see her name in the news within the next 20 years, you can say, I knew her. When? Just this week, Chaniya has officially committed to Norfolk State University. Behold! She plans to major in Social Work (BSW). Chaniya has a 3.1 GPA for this third marking period, as report cards come out next week. She’s been working hard this year to improve her cumulative GPA of 2.98 with a goal of graduating with at least a 3.0.
Look out World. Our Eagle, Chaniya Painter, is ready to soar like the Eagle She is!
Photography c/o Shelia Kelly Henson.