To honor, celebrate and encourage community members and middle school, high school and college students, the Sons of Promise and Daughters of Destiny Mentorship Program hosted the “African American History Celebration.”

The event was held on Feb. 23 from 9-11 a.m. in the Cate Teacher Education Center, and it featured an essay contest along with speakers.

By promoting self-actualization and self-identity, the event aimed to increase retention and graduation rates.

John Hatcher, director of the Sons of Promise and Daughters of Destiny Mentorship Program, shared why this program was particularly significant to him.

“My research focus is in the area of identity development, and it’s a relationship to academic achievement,” explained Hatcher. “As the advisor of the Sons of Promise and Daughters of Destiny Mentorship Organization, we wish to celebrate African-American history in service to the broader Southeastern Louisiana University community.”