Fulton County Schools’ Black History program promotes unity, change

March 02, 2025

by Megan Dame

Unity was the focus of the program Fulton County Schools held celebrating Black History Month. Leading by example, the students of Fulton County Elementary, Middle and High School united, each playing a role in remembering and honoring those whose historical actions made strides toward unity in this nation.

The program, “Unity: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World,” was opened by Fulton County High School students and Mistresses of Ceremonies Ja’Mesha Brown and Diamond Mitchell. Willie Campbell led the opening prayer.

Students Camille Hendrix, Jazeera Smith and Rashaunna Houston performed a moving praise dance depicting the struggles of people throughout history.

Mildred Johnson sang a beautiful rendition of “Precious Lord,” accompanied by Darwin Windham on the keyboard.

Abryona Tucker delivered a reading of a Chinese proverb that states, “Unity is an invisible thread that ties us all together.” Then students from each grade at Fulton County Elementary School did a presentation on a notable figures in the Black history of America.

Kindergarten students Jadence, Mark, Aiden, Ka’Laia and Milani profiled Madam CJ Walker. First grade students Brendley, Zamirr, Mateo, Brailynn and M.J. chose boxer Mohammad Ali for their presentation.

Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks was profiled by second-graders Dylan, Anna, Kingston, Kaylee, Lariq and Mycah. Third-grade students who chose to present the biography of George Washington Carver were Gabby, Taraji, Chevy, Braxton S., A.J., Jakyrie and Leo.

Fourth-graders Kensleigh, Rezaya, Nevaeh H., Emma, Aubree and Kenslei presented Mary Mahoney.

The final presentation was given by fifth-grade students, Indy, Anala, Kensleigh, Hunter M. and Keylin, who highlighted the lives of Civil Rights leaders and spouses, Corretta Scott and Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Fulton County Band played “Amazing Grace” just before keynote Speaker Tameka Gray spoke on unity, resilience and hope in the face of oppression and discrimination.

Gray stated that we all share the same history and history is the past and does not change. She said everyone in every race shares the same history.

Even in the face of history, the future holds the ability to change. Like the best and newest smartphones, history is unchangeable, but the technology continues to improve.

She pointed out that if someone tried to offer someone the first version of the iPhone, no one would want it. What worked in the past has improved leaps and bounds.

Society and history can be thought of in the same terms. What was good about the first iPhone was cutting edge when it came out. Now, it’s old and dated.

Just as phone technology is always updating and always improving. Gray said that we are no different, “Our Ancestors’ resilience and hope inspire celebration of African contributions to society. They gave modern society the ideas and foundations, but we are responsible for building upon what has been laid out before us,” she said.

If society wants change, society must change. Gray challenged the students to be that change that improves, be the change you wish to see in the world.

The program was finished with a poetry reading by Amari Bradshaw. She read the powerful poem, “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. The program finale was from student and songbird, Lexi Uzzle, who belted out an emotional and beautiful performance of “God Bless America.”

The strong program featuring outside guests and students of all ages and of diverse racial background was a great example of unity and being that change we most desire to see in our world.