School children participated in a tribute to Black History Month and the role played by African Americans in the development and culture of the country. The half-day event (Feb. 28) at the Old County Building in Detroit was attended by nearly 200 children from the city's southwest corner, Detroit and from Dearborn. Following a welcoming from Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, the Rev. Larry Simmons of Detroit delivered an inspirational message. Other activities included a lesson in Swahili, an introduction to the country's historically black fraternities and an educational film on the history of slavery in America. The event was hosted by Wayne County Community Outreach and capped several other Black History Month activities. Wayne County has long celebrated Black History Month with educational projects designed to help children understand the contributions of African Americans, locally and worldwide.