McKenzie Middle Presents Black History Program

McKENZIE (February 25) — McKenzie Middle School presented an exciting, inspiring and informative Black History program Tuesday morning with numerous special guests.

Organized by MMS teachers Veda Haney, Karlene Brown and Braxton Hobson, the program covered a wide array of subjects from the distant past to the present.

Brown delivered a welcoming message, saying in part, “Black history is more than a story of struggle—it is a testament to strength, innovation and unwavering courage. It is a history of pioneers, trailblazers and visionaries who have shaped our societies and continue to inspire generations to come… Let us remember that Black history is American history, world history and a living legacy that we all carry forward.”

Haney’s music students performed, and other students spoke briefly in turn about chosen topics. Student Hayden Nolan delivered a stirring recitation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Other topics covered included athletes such as Tydie Pickett and Laila Ali, scientists and inventors such as Mark Dean, James West, Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, poets and musicians such as J.W. Johnson, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Tupac Shakur and Kendrick Lamar.

McKenzie school board chairman LaShonda Williams read the poem “Don’t Quit.”

Hobson delivered a powerful recitation of the poem “The Undefeated” by contemporary poet Kwame Alexander.

Bethel University student Jaheim Lee, a performative drummer, wowed the crowd with his skills.

Current members of greek organizations that were part of the “Divine Nine” fraternities and sororities, the first black greek organizations founded at mostly Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the early 20th century, spoke and several performed their clubs’ traditional “steps”.

The guest speaker was Hannah Bilger, a 2018 McKenzie graduate, 2022 UT Martin graduate and current community engagement coordinator for the Weakley County Prevention Coalition.

Bilger implored those in attendance, “Don’t give up your seat,” a reference to Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks. “You may not be facing segregation of fighting over bus seats, but every day, you’re faced with choices where you can decide whether you’ll stand up for what’s right—or just stay quiet and give up your seat.”

Bilger concluded, “Remember—don’t give up your seat. Stand up. Stand proud. And always stand for what’s right, no matter what. Your actions, no matter how big or small, can make a real difference in the world.”

Special guests were presented handmade wooden plaques crafted by MMS STEM students.

Student speakers included Hayden Nolan, Sonny Fuller, Zaryiah Townes, Makayla Dabbs, Na’Vadious Owens, Armani Seats, Charlie Cassidy, Milania Long-Townes, Summer Borum Floyd, Scharyiah Horton, Chloe Giddens and Kamdyn Tharpe.