Howard Bankhead, Executive Director, PEYD, addresses the group during the educational golf session for Black History Month.
On February 20, 2019, Dr. Taylor Byrd, president of the Par Excellence Youth Development (PEYD) Board, a community non-profit and 4-sight partner that works to positively impact the lives of youth, asked me to arrange in a Black History Month program. I was honored to do so and organized a golf skills demonstration and history discussion about Black players in golf. The program was designed to inform and educate the entire study body, faculty, and staff at Julian Harris Elementary School in Decatur, Al.
Golf instructor Howard Bankhead helps a youth during the putting session.
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The Mission of Decatur City Schools is to provide an innovative learning community committed to academic excellence and meeting the unique needs of every individual. The mission is a perfect fit for PEYD and our mission: to positively affect the lives of youth ages 6-18 by providing access to learning/training facilities and educational programs that encourage fitness, etiquette, and academics through life and golf skills.
Howard Bankhead helps a student during the golf demonstration.
I estimate that well over 350 youth and adults attended the program. Many were curious to learn about the game of golf, as well as its many historic Black golfers, and have fun doing so. For the students who participated in the putting contest, they had to answer math questions, as I use math as a method to teach golf.
Dr. Taylor Byrd, PhD
Dr. Taylor Byrd, Jr. is a retired educator of Alabama A&M University and is a AAMU Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. He is a native of Greene County (Ala.) who enjoys the game of golf and supports growing more diversity in the game. Dr. Byrd has been an integral part of the PYTD program since its beginning.
The two-hour morning program started at 9AM and ended at 11AM. It offered a tremendous learning experience and was lots of fun for all.
I believe that we have to get our African American adults to know the value of golf. Because if they can see the value that golf affords them and their children, they will be more likely to participate in these types of activities.
For more information on our PEYD program, contact me at hbankhead1@gmail.com
ABOUT HOWARD BANKHEAD
2018 – The City of Huntsville, Alabama proclaimed September 2nd as Howard Bankhead Day.
2013 – Honored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts as a Fellowship Recipient
2012 – Recipient of Key to the City of Huntsville presented by Mayor Tommy Battle
2011 – Blog writer for the African American Golfers Digest
