Black History Month in February brought some star quality to East Cobb in the presence of actor Louis Gossett Jr.
His visit to East Cobb Middle School near the end of the month included some inspiring words for students, as he told them that “every month is American History Month.”
Gossett is the first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1982 movie “An Officer and A Gentleman,” and his message to sixth grade students was to embrace their role in shaping the future.
“If we are going to be together for the rest of our lives, we need to hold hands and show the rest of the world, by example, how this togetherness works,” Gossett told them, asking them to rise and join hands.
Here’s more about his visit from CCSD, which also submitted the photo:
“I know it is Black History Month, but every month is American History Month, and it is important you know how much you need one another and what you represent,” Gossett told the students.
He advised the students to learn about their neighbors because everyone comes together to make America. He also pointed to the students’ grandparents as a source of valuable information about past generations. Explaining the importance of reaching across generations, Gossett revealed that he had a photo with his great grandmother, who had been a slave. She was 115 years old in the photo.
“Take the time to listen to your teachers. Take the time to listen to your parents,” he continued.
“Now is the time for you to start thinking about what you are going to be. This is when you go from childhood to grown up.”
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