MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The city of Myrtle Beach brought the community together Saturday night for a special Black History Month celebration that honored local trailblazers and reflected on lives lost in a historic tragedy.
This year’s ceremony paid tribute to Myrtle Beach trailblazers known as the “Triple Nine.” The tribute includes nine former students who attended the Myrtle Beach Colored School — the first nine students who integrated Horry County schools — and the nine lives lost in the 2015 tragedy at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston.
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Organizers said the celebration was an opportunity to honor those who paved the way for future generations.
People want to celebrate. They want to fellowship and come together as we acknowledge pay homage and pay tribute to for those who have made it so easy for us today,” said Cookie Canty Goings of Myrtle Beach Neighborhood Services. “Because it wasn’t always this easy.
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Black History Month celebration. Organizers said they hope the event continues to remind the community about the importance of preserving local history.
