Representatives from various community organizations and other leaders gathered Wednesday morning to accept a mayoral proclamation declaring February 2010 Black History Month and urging DeRidder residence to rededicate themselves to the “principles of justice and equality for all people.”

On hand were (seated, left to right) Herbert Lee Charles of Starlight Missionary Baptist Church; Mattye L. Coker of the Newcomers’ Club; DeRidder Mayor Ron Roberts; Leola Carhee; Beatrice Acker of Eastern Star Golden Sheaf Chapter #55; (standing) Paul Cador of the NAACP and the Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce; Adrian Davis of Brookshire Brothers; Geneva Butler, President of Beauregard Parish NAACP; Dale Saffold of the Beauregard Concerned Citizens; Bobby Holmes of Holmes Electric; Vera Dillard Dukes of the Zodiac Club; Robert Lamons; DeMarcus Washington of Holmes Electric; and Carlos Archield of C&B Community Organization.