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WEST POINT — The City of West Point’s annual Black History program will be taking place at the West Point gym, located at 1201 Avenue D, at 5:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 25th.

The creative talents of area youth will be on display and some local business owners will be recognized in this year’s program.

The 2025 Black History program will be in memory of Shaneka Lynch Lewis, who passed away in 2024 with cancer. She and her family had opened many previous Black History programs with beautiful renditions of the National Anthem.

Springwood student Elijah Vines will be opening this year’s program with the National Anthem.

Youth from Springwood, Troup High, Long Cane Middle School, West Point Elementary, the Chattahoochee Early Learning Academy (CELA) and West Point Cares will be part of the program.

The West Point Police Department is sponsoring this year’s celebration.

Business owners to be recognized and thanked for what they are bringing to the community include Ben Hamilton of Johnny’s Pizza and the owners of the Copper Carrot, Nikki and Larry Franklin.

A special guest at this year’s program will be the keynote speaker, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, who is an up and coming TV and film star. He will be taking to the screen this year alongside David Oyelowo and Simone Messick in the upcoming Apple TV series “Government Cheese.” which premieres on April 16th.

He can currently be seen as the lead of Chris London’s “We Have Ghost” opposite Anthony Mackie and David Harbour.

Jahi recently wrapped up filming of “Outdoor School,” directed by Ime N. Etuk. He previously appeared in the Sundance hit film “Charm City Kings.” Jahi received the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast for his performance in that role.

His other notable feature film credits include the Lena Waithe-penned film “Queen & Slim,” directed by Melina Matsoukas; Jim Jarmusch’s “Dead Don’t Die;” “The Upside” with Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston and “Proud Mary,” opposite Taraji P. Henson.

On TV, Jahi starred in the ‘90s nostalgia series “Everything Sucks!” and BET’s “New Edition Story,” which broke records for the network.

“We have really been blessed with our Black History programs,” said West Point Council Member Sandra Thornton. “We feel this year’s program will be a good one as well. We hope to see you there.”