education

Celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month This March

Many Americans can trace their roots back to the country of Ireland with  relatives coming to the U.S. looking for a better life for their families. The month of March has now been recognized as Irish-American Heritage Month.

During the period between 1846 – 1851 over 600,000 individuals arrived in New York, with approximately 70% of them being Irish. This was also the time of the Irish Potato Famine in which roughly one million Irish perished due to a mold that destroyed the potato crop. Approximately another one million relocated their homes with some landing here in the U.S.

Some famous Irish-Americans include Henry Ford, John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney, and Ronald Regan. 

Irish-American Heritage Month began back in 1991 with the goal of honoring the contribution of Irish immigrants and their descendants, in their role in helping to shape the country.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

March Is Women’s History Month Let’s Celebrate

There would be no life without our hard working mothers giving birth to us all and nurturing us to be the best that we can be. With the month of March being Women’s History Month, WGRT would like to give a big thank you to our female listeners for tuning in to our station.

Women’s History Month is a time set aside to acknowledge and recognize the achievements and contributions that women have made in our society throughout history. 

It began in 1982, designated as “Women’s History Week,” by 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month.

Gone are the days when women could not vote, or participate in certain areas of society. We encourage young girls and women of all ages to believe in themselves and to embrace the power of their femininity. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Honoring And Remembering A Community Leader In The City Of Port Huron

The City of Port Huron has had a number of individuals step into the role of being a community leader over the years. From business, to the religious sectors of the community, African Americans have had a major contribution in the Blue Water Area.

Rev. John L. Portis, born October 25, 1931 was an ordained minister who served his community in numerous ways. 

One of his most notable contributions is being the pastor for the historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Port Huron where he served for over 40 years. Nern street, located at the corner of 28th Street was renamed in his honor to John L. Portis Drive.   

He also served on numerous boards and committees over the years such as the South Park Ministerial Alliance which he founded in 1980 and served as its President for over 20 years.

He received a variety of awards such as the NAACP Community Service Award, and the Brotherhood Award from the City of Port Huron. 

Rev. Portis passed away in 2008, leaving behind an exceptional legacy in the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 STEM Fest Welcomes Retired NASA Astronaut As Part Of The Experience

The St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is hosting its STEM Fest next month for the community to experience what they have to offer, and to introduce guests to a fun interactive way of learning.

The event takes place on Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held on the college campus in the Experience Center as well as the SC4 Fieldhouse. 

The Stem Fest event is free to the public and open to all ages. It will feature more than 100 hands-on activities and events to participate in involving interactive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics exhibits.

Entities and organizations involved include SC4, Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center. There will also be a special appearance from retired NASA astronaut Dorothy “Dottie” Metcalf-Lindenburger.

To register, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Underground Announces $5000 Emerge Fund Grant Open For Entrepreneurs

If you are or know an entrepreneur who could use some financial assistance, The Underground along with the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) are announcing that they are accepting first quarter applications for the new 2023 Emerge Fund through Monday, March 20th.

The 2023 Emerge Fund is geared towards for-profit small businesses operating or starting their business in St. Clair County. The maximum funding available per applicant is $5000. Smaller grants are available and are issued based on project impact and potential milestones. The funding is made possible in partnership with Huntington National Bank.

Those involved in technology are highly desired, but businesses in other sectors will be considered as well. 

Applicants who are approved can use the funding for things such as:

  • Creating a business plan
  • Developing a website
  • Marketing
  • Legal Services
  • And more…grants CANNOT be used as salary or income.

For more information, visit: startunderground.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Annual Phil Willard Memorial Chess Tournament Coming In March

The game of chess is a game of strategy and planning. It helps to develop the brain in children who participate. So, why not get involved in the upcoming Phil Willard Memorial Tournament coming in March?

The tournament is free to all students currently attending Port Huron Area Schools in grades K-12. If they are not a Port Huron Area Schools student, the fee is $10 payable in cash only. 

The event will take place Saturday, March 4th, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration will be from 8 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. 

Participants will be awarded prizes and trophies for their achievements. Chess sets will be provided, and participants may bring their own refreshments. 

For more information, visit: Port Huron Schools on Facebook. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell