The tradition of “Keeping the Dream Alive” will continue with the 13th Annual Black History Scholarship Program and Banquet on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Endtime Deliverance Church.

The tradition began when Dorothy Townsend and her daughters, Alison and Jessilyn, presented a Black History program titled “Bridging the Past to the Future” 13 years ago.

“This program was designed to encourage our black youth to know their history,” Townsend said. “If you don’t know your history, it’s hard to imagine your future.

“With that in mind and to empower today’s black youth, we must teach them about our black history and their lineage so they can identify with the strong, courageous people that are of their likeness and see possibilities within themselves.”

Townsend said the hope for the Annual Black History Scholarship program is that they enable the young people to appreciate all past and future heroes.

“Each year at graduation in May, financial scholarships are awarded from our scholarship program to deserving students who show potential for furthering their educations beyond high school,” she said. “Because of the tremendous support we have received from people in the community, we have chosen the motto for 2013 as ‘The Power of Unity and Teamwork.’ The United Women’s League of Troy will be the special guest this year. These outstanding ladies are the perfect example of our motto for this year.”

Townsend said the inspiration for this year’s program came from the example the Troy United Women’s League set 12 years ago.

“The United Women’s League was giving scholarships and many other awards to those in need,” Townsend said.

Shelia Deveridge will be the guest speaker for this year’s Black History Scholarship Program.

“Shelia is a member of the United Women’s League and has never missed participating in all of the programs over the past 12 years,” Townsend said. “Over the years, we have had the United Praise Gospel Singers, Jeanetta Scott of Endtime Deliverance Church, Nicholas Cooper of McClure Town, Dorothy Adair of Troy and my church family, the New Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Linwood and Rev. Jimmy Lee, Sr., pastor, to participate and all deserve recognition. They have all supported our program and have dedicated themselves to the cause.”

Townsend said Clarence Scott and the Troy Veterans Center will also receive recognition.

“Clarence Scott is one of the first people who helped organize the Black History Scholarship Program,” she said. “He is presently involved in a number of achievements in the community.”

Entertainment for the program will be the Spiritual Jubilee Singers of Troy and the Spiritual Harmonetts of Midland City and several other groups.

Troy City Councilman Charlie “Sarge” Dunn, a 22-year military veteran, will recognize those from the Troy Veterans Center.

The 13th Annual Black History Scholarship Program and Banquet will be at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 at Endtime Deliverance Church. Donations of $10 are requested. For tickets or more information, call 33-482-4080 or 334-672-8187.