February 6, 2025

Did you know Forsyth Tech hosts an annual Black History Month celebration to honor the rich history and contributions of Black Americans? This year’s event, held on February 5, 2025, brought the campus community together for a powerful and thought-provoking experience featuring keynote speaker Ms. Anita Justice.

Ms. Justice, the founder of Dignity Justified and Historian-in-Residence at Triad Cultural Arts, is a dedicated researcher, podcaster, exhibit designer, and former classroom educator. Her work focuses on preserving history and making it accessible to all, and her keynote address did just that. She took the audience on a journey through the Civil Rights Movement in our community and across North Carolina, weaving together historical events with personal stories that made the past come alive.

From the moment she took the stage, Ms. Justice captivated the audience, drawing them into the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of those who fought for justice. She spoke of the everyday people—teachers, students, faith leaders, and activists—who played crucial roles in the Civil Rights Movement right here in North Carolina. By highlighting local heroes and their contributions, she made history feel immediate and personal, reminding everyone that the fight for equality didn’t just happen elsewhere—it happened in our own backyards. Ms. Justice emphasized that history is not just something to be remembered but something to be learned from and acted upon.

“Understanding our history empowers us to shape our future,” she said. “The sacrifices of those who came before us challenge us to continue the work of justice, equity, and dignity for all.”

Forsyth Tech’s Black History Month celebration continues to be a vital tradition, creating space for learning, reflection, and inspiration, and a time to honor the legacy of a local trailblazer, Ms. Mazie S. Woodruff, the first African American woman to be elected as a Forsyth County Commissioner. Her work advancing the causes of education and social justice, along with her local leadership, are why two Forsyth Tech centers bear her name. As Ms. Justice reminded the audience, history is a living force—it shapes us, challenges us, and calls us to action.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success. Let’s carry the lessons of history forward, not just this month, but every day.