Webb Alumni Show Out for Homecoming Weekend

McKENZIE (August 29-September 1) — Webb School alumni, friends and family had a busy Labor Day weekend, traveling into McKenzie to reconnect and celebrate Webb School's 56th annual Homecoming. 

The historic school's homecoming began Friday, August 29, with a community hospitality event. Attendees played Spades and Texas Hold 'Em, line-danced and enjoyed a taco bar. 

On Saturday afternoon, alumni gathered again to enjoy a talent show, dancing, food and vendors.

The talent show featured 12 eclectic performances, including singing, dancing, poetry and dramatic readings.

Performers were Jarnell Madison, Daisy Dudley, Gina Atkins, Jimmy and Patricia Berry, Rachel Barnes, Pam Chapple, Scottie Clark, Previce Jamison, Ruby Hunt, Selita McFadden, Neal Williamson and Keshawn Johnson.

Several alumni were recognized during the talent show for their contributions to the association, including James Hunt, Rosetta Clark, Ike Gilbert and Kim Bell Webb.

The eagerly-awaited fashion show, "Night and Day: Stepping in Style," was Sunday, August 31. Webb School alumni, friends and family became models for the night, exhibiting their takes on casualwear, church clothes, African attire and formalwear. Mary Luter Jordan was dressed to impress as the event's host, announcing the night's models in four categories: "ABC Casual," "We've Come This Far by Faith," "African Parade" and "If Only For One Night." 

The homecoming weekend concluded Monday, September 1, with a picnic at Webb School. The picnic had raffles, food trucks and homemade ice cream. Attendees played in a cake walk and danced in a Soul Train line. 

The McKenzie Webb School, a historic Rosenwald school for African-American students, is the only historically black school in Carroll County. Though it closed its doors in 1966, its alumni and their descendants remain active. They formed the Webb Alumni Association in 1969 to preserve the school's legacy. Two years later, alumni came together to purchase the building. In 2016, they opened a museum within the building to house school artifacts. 

Each year, alumni host homecoming events during Labor Day weekend to raise money and provide scholarships to students, ensuring the school's history and educational impact are kept alive. 

Webb School was a vital institution that educated many teachers, business leaders and professionals in a time when opportunities were scarce due to segregation. The school building was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places.