Webb School Concludes Black History Month with Program of Reflection

McKENZIE — Webb School alumni and community members gathered February 28 at the historic Webb School to conclude Black History Month with a program built around the theme, “Looking Back and Moving With a Sense of Direction.”

The afternoon featured music, reflection and a keynote address from Rev. Richard Adkisson — a retired engineer with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, an alderman on the Milan City Council and pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Paris, Tenn. Adkisson challenged attendees to remain grateful for progress while continuing to move forward.

Rev. Wallace Cunningham served as master of ceremony and opened the program with appreciation for the occasion.

“For this program, I just want to first say what an honor it is to get to serve as the master of ceremony on such a worthy occasion,” Cunningham said. Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he added, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. And hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”

Rosella Glenn welcomed guests, including Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler and McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin, along with vendors, voter registration representatives and NAACP members.

“We know you could have done something else today and but you chose to spend the afternoon with us,” Glenn said. “So we hope you enjoy yourself and just plan to be back again.”

Rev. Craig Hobson delivered the invocation, and the audience joined in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The New Reedy Creek and St. John Youth Choirs performed several selections, and McKenzie High School student Carlton Townes read Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Margaret White offered a history of the Webb School’s Martin Luther King Jr. Committee and the effort to establish King’s birthday as a national holiday. She reflected on organizing early countywide observances and emphasized unity.

“Black history is not about black people,” White said. “Black history is a part of American history.”

She reminded the audience that remembering the past is essential to shaping the future. “It’s hard to know where you’re going, right, if you don’t know where you came from,” she said.

When Rev. Adkisson rose to speak, he noted he had been asked not to preach, but his message remained rooted in faith and forward movement.

“If God don’t do nothing else, He’s already done enough,” Adkisson said.

Referencing 1776, 1863 and 1963 as defining moments in American history, Adkisson placed the struggle for equality within a broader timeline, noting that the nation still wrestles with judging people by the color of their skin.

He emphasized education as a pathway forward, speaking about the importance of prioritizing learning and highlighting contributions made by Black inventors.

“Study,” Adkisson said. “Tell your children to study.”

He also cautioned against complacency and forgetting identity.

“I don’t care how much character God blessed you with; you’re still Black. And please remember, ‘good’ ain’t good enough,” he said, urging listeners to pursue what is right rather than settling for what is merely acceptable.

Throughout his message, Adkisson stressed faith and unity across racial and social lines, reminding the audience that Black history is inseparable from American history and that progress requires collective responsibility.

“As we look in our world today, it’s alright to look back, but we don’t want to go back,” he said. “Always look ahead. Dr. King has died, but the dream is still alive.”

As the month dedicated to Black history drew to a close, Adkisson lastly reminded attendees not to confine reflection to February.

The program included a Love Offering led by Kim Webb, Natalie Porter, Neal Williamson and Melinda Falls-Quisenberry. Williamson delivered the vote of thanks, and Rev. Cunningham offered the benediction.

Committee members for the event were Gina Atkins, Mavis Curtis, Rosella Glenn (chair), Natalie Porter, Melinda Falls-Quisenberry, Bertha Taylor, Kim Webb, Neal Williamson and Marshawn Fuller.