School children’s participation highlights African American Fest


Thursday, February 28, 2008
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School children’s participation highlights African American Fest

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photo by Sue Watson

‘What education means’

Oratory contestants joined judges, coaches and family for a group photo. Left to right are Wanda Pegues, Ann Burton, Shedarah Teamer, Briania Smith, Victoria Robinson, Jassica Brunson, Denise Carter, Kimberly Young, Jessica Gonzalez, Damian Jones, Mary Ruth Street, Cecil Brown (coach/teacher), Gary Hickman and Rev. Leona Harris.

African American Fest drew good attendance from young school children to the elder generation last week.

Each year local artists exhibit their paintings, sculpture, writings, quilts and crafts, and the exhibit list gets longer each year, along with the visitor list.

This year 10 youths from area schools participated in an oratorical contest on what an education means. Judges selected three winners and all essay writers received nice certificates of participation.

Rev. Leona Harris, Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum curator, said the participation of the school children in this year’s program was special. Local schools also sent bus loads of students to the activities Friday.

The essay competition brought out much good about today’s high school students by way of ideas, motivation and inspiration.

Points made in the various essays included:

education is the most powerful weapon in the world.
education continues throughout life.
education is necessary for success.
education deters youth from venturing to crime.
travel, as well, provides great educational experiences.
education leads to independence and a successful life.
education allows enjoyment of the good things in life.
more education means more pay.
education is the gateway to becoming a successful business person.
education is essential in order to grow up to be successful adults.
education helps reduce poverty and crime.
education brings peace among nations, advances wealth among nations and distributes wealth.
education offers a better opportunity to provide for future family needs and happiness.
education opens doors.
education boosts self-confidence.
education sets up a positive lifestyle.
education if free, so there is no need to not grasp it with verve.
education helps dispel racial stereotypes.

Many of the essayists said they strive to be good learners because they want to show appreciation and respect to their parents by exceeding their parents’ formal education.

They aspire to be college graduates.

First, second and third place winners in the oratorical contest were Jassica Brunson of Horn Lake High School, Kimberly Young of H.W. Byers High School and Damian Jones of Byers.

Other contestants were Aaron Youngblood from Horn Lake, Denise Carter, Jessica Gonzalez, Marvin Rayford, Victoria Robinson, and Shedarah Teamer from Byers School and Alvisha Turner from Holly Springs High School.

Cecil Brown with the faculty at H.W. Byers served as coach.

The first place winner, Jassica Brunson, will be invited to present her speech at the Ida B. Wells Banquet and in schools this summer.

Other upcoming events that feature local African American historic figures include the Lessye L. Davis Parade held Saturday, May 3 and the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum Annual Festival & Birthday Celebration on Friday through Sunday, July 11, 12, and 13.

Call the museum at 662-252-3232 for information. Or e-mail the museum at idabwells@bellsouth.net.

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