By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
The theme for the Escambia County Middle School Black history program was “From Generation to Generation.” The theme was carried out as students noted outstanding Black citizens from 1700 through 2000.
The speaker for the program was Harold Dailey, retired educator who has never really retired. He continues to volunteer in the system when asked.
His message was clear: Do not be limited by other people’s opinions.
“We cannot foresee the future, but we can look forward to it,” Dailey said. “Think for yourself … Never fail to try to find out anything you don’t know.”
He recognized several people in the area who, when they were in middle school, probably never foresaw what their futures would be – attorney, County Commissioner and Judge Karean Reynolds; Probate Judge Doug Agerton; Circuit Clerk John Robert Fountain; School Superintendent Dr. Michele Collier; and others.
“Do not be limited by someone who tells you that you can’t do this or that,” Dailey said. “The longest journey begins with one step. Someone in this audience may put the city of Atmore on the map because you used your mind to perpetuate an idea … Don’t let yourself be limited by someone who tells you ‘Nobody like this has ever done this before.’”
Many students and some faculty participated in the program, as follows:
The Pledge of Allegiance – led by Kajiah McPherson and Jaliyah King
Welcome – Nicole Jones, ECMS counselor
Why Black History is Important – recitation by Heaven Li’ Hartley
Take Me to the King (Tamela Mann) – duet by Amiyah James and Sheree Dixon
1700s Phyllis Wheatley – poem recitation by Natasia Lee
Harriet Tubman – an original skit written and performed by fifth-grade teacher Mary Figgers. Students performing with her were Lillie Walker, Jalaya Robertson, Makenzie Jones, Makayla Jones, Keaunna Barron and Nyasia Moton
Stand Up (Cynthia Erivo) – interpretive dance by Krista Williams, Kaci Martin, Heaven Li’ Hartley, Taliyah Martin
1800s Robert Sengstacke Abbott – recitation by Yulron Dailey
A New Day’s Lyric (by Amanda Gorman) – poem recitation by Kimberly Polk and Kamari Stallworth
ECMS Step Team – Jamyia Craft, Jaliyah Hazley, Shanae Knight
1900s Benjamin O. Davis – recitation by Laya George
I Smile (Kirk Franklin) – solo by Keaton Bush
I Had a Dream (poem by Curtis L. Hayes) – poem recitation by Natasia Lee and McKenzy Rudolph
“When the Saints Go Marching In” – performed by members of the Advanced Band: Ava Bayne, Bryson Burkett, Xavier Colliver, Zariah Ferrell, Kearden Frye, Diana Garcia, Neleh Gholsby, Tristan Johnson, Aryanna Jones, Khloe Jones, Jaliyah King, Jabarie Knight, Braxton Lavana, Taelyn Lee, Cecelia Lovold, Daegan Martin, Trinity Rabb, DeRhianna Riley, Ezekiel Riley, Noah Williams, Maliyah Wilson
2000 Maya Angelou – Zoey Wiggins
Guest speaker – Harold Dailey
Lift Every Voice and Sing (James Weldon James) – duet by Aryanna Jones and Amiyah James
Closing remarks – Principal Forrest D. Jones
Backstage hands – Tamiyah Brown, Kemahari Grimes and Andriaunna Thomas
Guest table – SaRiyah Jones and Tyderion Wiggins