Montford Point Marines Captivate OMHS Students

Last Thursday, March 21^st, six Montford Point Marines spoke with a group of Owings Mills High School students.  The veterans were the first African-American marines to serve in World War II under a congressional directive from former President Theodore Roosevelt.  History teacher Chris Lambert and Montford Point Marines manager Richard Smothers organized the event.

During the presentation, the marines shared stories of war, race relations, and patriotism.  The presentation was accompanied by a pictorial exhibit documenting the journey of the veterans. According to OMHS teacher Rosalyn Gaines, “They spoke with passion and captivated the students with their humor and inspirational messages.”   

The speaking engagement was one of four black history events scheduled during the spring semester at OMHS.  The first of the events, held February 28^th, was an evening program celebrating African-American food, dance, artwork, and poetry.  Two more events are scheduled for the spring, including a performance of “A Raisin in the Sun” to be presented by Lambert’s American government class on April 24^th and a showcase of “Black Dance in America” on May 9^th.          

For more information about these events, please contact Rosalyn Gaines at rgaines2@bcps.org.