Last week’s winter storm brought fear and uncertainty to millions of Texans as power grids and water services failed throughout the state as a result of the dangerous and nearly un-precedented winter conditions.

Throughout the month of February, we celebrate the countless contributions from Black Americans to our country, both past and present, and reflect on the many hardships they overcame along the way to accomplish these feats.

The Madisonville softball team also participated in Feb. 9’s Our Day To Shine scrimmage against Elkhart, the proceeds of which benefited the Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation’s Benevolence Fund. The Fund was established by the Texas High School Coaches Association Board of Directors to assist athletes and coaches experiencing hardships. (Pictured: Grace Williamson) CAMPBELL ATKINS