MADISON COUNTY – Although Black History Month has come and gone, Rosie’s International Services Inc. shows that Black history continues to thrive every day around the world.

Rosie’s presented the 20th annual Black History Enrichment and Enlightenment Festival on Feb. 19. “The festival theme was ‘Sharing our Culture, Art in Education and Mentoring.’ The festival’s purpose was to bring culture awareness and understanding of the African-American culture to our youth and the community,” Rosie Douglas, CEO-President of Rosie’s International, said.

Entertainers at the festival included saxophonists, African drumming, a gospel choir, performing arts group, a local choir and art from local schools. Event emcee was Kenisha Deas with Fox 54 News.

Naomi Grey, also with Fox54, presented the “Black History Teachers of the Year” award and “Black History Students of the Year Award.” Steve Murry presented the “Tuskegee Airmen Essay Award,” and Charley Douglas presented the “Soldiers of the Year Award,” “Business of the Year” and “Community of the Year Award.”

Two schools received the “Tuskegee Airmen Award” signed by Tuskegee Airmen President of the Tuskegee Chapter – TAI. Four students from Mae Jemison High School and three students from Blossomwood Elementary School received a “Tuskegee Airmen of Excellence Award.” An instructor from Mae Jemison and one from Blossomwood Elementary School received this honorary award.

“We acknowledged these students for their hard work and dedication for their 2022 essay writing,” Douglas said.

Recipients of the “Soldier of the Year” award were SFC Manuel J. Romo and MSG Jose Ramos both with Space Missile Defense on Redstone Arsenal. Recipient of “Family of the Year Award” was Dr. Warren Quinton Foster and Jovonne and daughters Roxie, Qloe and Carlie.

“Rosie’s International commends the Foster family on their professionalism and dedication to the community and throughout the world,” Douglas said. “Community service, excellence and kindness are a few things that come to mind when thinking of this family.”

Dr. Warren Foster is a cardiac electrophysiologist with Huntsville Cardiology Clinic. Jovonne Foster works as a senior quality analyst for the University of Toledo and volunteers as leader of Girl Scouts Troop 22011, in which Roxie, Qloe and Carlie are members.

Roxie attends Huntsville Junior High School. Qloe and Carlie attend Jones Valley Elementary School. The sisters are active in academic societies and in community volunteering.

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