Dozens of Inmates Attend Black History Month Celebration

Page updated on February 25, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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On February 13, more than 60 inmates enjoyed a special program celebrating Black History Month. Organized by the Inmate Services team, the program featured guest speaker, Dr. Willie H. Smith who explored this year’s Black History Month theme of African Americans and Labor while sharing insightful and uplifting advice drawn from his own experiences.

Dr. Smith grew up in a small farming community in North Carolina where he was among the first Black residents to attend college. He continued his education while pursuing a highly successful career in the federal government, serving as a senior executive before retiring from public service last year. Dr. Smith encouraged audience members telling them that everyone has something to offer and that although life is short, it can be very wide by making the most of opportunities and experiences no matter the circumstances. He shared candid accounts from his own life while offering humor, hope and wisdom which audience members appreciated.

Sheriff Sean Casey thanked Dr. Smith for his thoughtful messages and the Inmate Services staff for organizing the program, which also included a lunch of barbecue sandwiches and educational Black History Month decorations. Sheriff Casey encouraged audience members to continue to take advantage of programs that will educate and empower them so that they can make the most of their time at the Adult Detention Center and ultimately their futures.

Seven inmates in green jumpsuits, with some holding printed programs for Black History Month,
Man in a suit standing at a podium and speaking to several inmates who are seated at tables, wearing green jumpsuits and only visible from behind
Sheriff in blue uniform standing at podium and speaking into a microphone with a banner of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Kamala Harris and Ketanji Brown Jackson in the background
guest speaker wearing a business suit answer a question from an inmate wearing a tan jumpsuit that reads "Alexandria Inmate" on the back
Professional staff member and deputy in blue uniform speak with audience members wearing green jumpsuits before the Black History Month program begins
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Seven inmates in green jumpsuits, with some holding printed programs for Black History Month,
Markees Towles, Edward Belt, Joshua Ellis, Melvin Allen, Javon Paige, Jerrell Vanison and Antonio Harris were among the attendees at the Black History Month program.
Man in a suit standing at a podium and speaking to several inmates who are seated at tables, wearing green jumpsuits and only visible from behind
Audience members appreciated Dr. Willie H. Smith's thoughtful words.
Sheriff in blue uniform standing at podium and speaking into a microphone with a banner of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Kamala Harris and Ketanji Brown Jackson in the background
Sheriff Sean Casey thanked Dr. Smith, the Inmate Services team, and the attendees and encouraged them to continue participating in programs.
guest speaker wearing a business suit answer a question from an inmate wearing a tan jumpsuit that reads "Alexandria Inmate" on the back
Dr. Smith took time to answer questions from audience members.
Professional staff member and deputy in blue uniform speak with audience members wearing green jumpsuits before the Black History Month program begins
Two members of the Inmate Services Team spoke with audience members before the program started.