The Harambee Youth Program of Youngstown performed at Pugliese West Elementary School Feb. 11. Performers provided pupils with a lesson in culture through dancing, drumming and songs that highlight Black History Month. Swahili for “let’s all pull together,” Hamambee is a cultural, educational and recreational program promoting racial harmony. It was started 45 years ago to motivate economically- and socially-disadvantaged African-American youth, to strive toward leadership, self-fulfillment and community service. The event included a welcome by Pugliese fourth-grader Joia Rose and an essay reading by local contest winner and second-grader, Johnny Rae Lester.

— Contributed