Impact Georgia Magazine March | Page 22

IMPACT IMPACT GEORGIA GEORGIA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE Art From the Inside GDC offenders donated incredible works of art for Heartbound Ministries ‘Art from the Inside’ exhibit located in Atlanta at the Sloppy Floyd Building. Click the image to view Commissioner Ward choosing his favorite works of art displayed at the exhibit. Video by Alyssa Riggs by | [email protected] GDC Facilities Celebrate Black History Month Commemorating Influential African Americans In honor of Black History Month, many of the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) facilities held programs to remember and celebrate influential African Americans throughout history. The observance of Black History month focuses on the accomplishments of African Americans, and their positive role in the history of the United States. “Celebrating Black History Month allows our offenders the opportunity to educate and encourage positive behavior throughout the facility,” said Timothy C. Ward, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. “Black History Month programs offer staff and offenders a time to reflect and honor those who came before us..” Many facilities held ceremonies throughout the month of February honoring various aspects of African American history. Lee Arrendale State Prison (SP) hosted a program that contained a variety of acts which honored today’s impactful leaders such as Tyler Perry, Oprah, and Beyoncé. Dooly SP presented a program called “Under Standing Black History, Our Heroes, Our Achievements, Our Tomorrow,” by singing and reciting poetry about famous African American heroes and athletes. Walker SP honored modern-day and historic African Americans such as Kobe Bryant, and Martin Luther King through tributes, songs and Article by Alyssa Riggs | Alyssa [email protected] 22 re-enactments which reminded offenders of the contributions 22 that have been offered throughout the nation.