Local Stone Square Lodge reschedules Black History Month event

   Middletown-Odessa-Townsend students and community members are invited to hear words of encouragement and learn why it is important to pursue their dreams, as the Stone Square Lodge No. 22 celebrates Black History Month Saturday, March 20 at the M.O.T. Jean Birch Senior Center.
     For 14 years now, the Second Masonic District Lodges have sponsored a Black History Luncheon to honor the achievements of African Americans in Delaware and provide younger generations with the support to continue their educations.
     “We started doing this because our lodge didn’t have a black history program in place,” said PM William Saunders, district deputy for the Second Masonic District. “We wanted to bring the younger generations to an understanding of the struggles of African Americans, but also give them some hope and have them set goals.”
     Saunders said proceeds from the luncheon go toward the lodge’s youth education programs. Each year, the lodge provides a scholarship to a student who lives in Middletown and attends a public middle or high school.
     “The scholarship is not targeted to any race, religion or particular ethnic group,” he said. “And when we raise money in the community, it stays in the community.”
    Johnie Burton, worshiper master of Stone Square Lodge No. 22, said the Masonic lodge is a fraternal organization that provides services to its surrounding communities.
     “It takes good men and makes them better,” he said. “It’s part of a lineage. My father and grandfather were both masons, and I always enjoyed the company of the brothers in the lodge.”
     At this year’s luncheon, the lodge will honor Brigadier General Ernest G. Talbert of Bear, who was the Delaware National Guard’s first African American general in its 350-year history. He will also be the guest speaker.
     Talbert has served as a pilot instructor, flight examiner, squadron commander, group commander, wing commander of the 266 Airlift Wing, and chief of staff and vice commander of the Delaware Air National Guard. After retiring from the Delaware Air National Guard, he was promoted the honorary grade of Major General in the Delaware National Guard.
     Burton said Talbert was an excellent choice as a speaker for this year’s event, which is themed “Pursue Your Dreams.”
     “I’ve known him for over 20 years,” he said. “I think he’s been an inspiration to me as well as others. He’s held a number of leadership positions and he’s jut a good person.”
Saunders said the lodge honors an African American who has made a significant contribution to Delaware.
     “Nearly every theme we choose takes a message to younger people,” he said. “I’m hoping [Talbert] will bring a message that will encourage young people to stay in school and that there’s no limit to what you can do and become if you work hard at it.”
     Saunders said the lodge works with local businesses to sponsor a student’s ticket to the luncheon. Interested businesses and community members will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
   “We’ve never wavered from keeping this program in place,” he said. “We try to encourage others in the community to fill the month [of February] with black history events. It should be a year-round thing, but right now we are focused on putting on programs in February.”

EVENT INFO
WHAT Stone Square Lodge No. 22’s 14th Black History Luncheon
WHERE M.O.T. Jean Birch Senior Center, 300 S. Scott St., Middletown.
WHEN Saturday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
TICKETS cost $20.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to purchase tickets, call 302-521-2523, 302-465-2667, or 302-584-2191.