Special Events
Black History is Everyone's History
By Margaret Ferriss
Mar 4, 2002, 2:05pm

"I wish all of the Chastain students could have heard the speakers today," said Jean Hentz, a teacher at Chastain Middle School. That was a response echoed by other teachers during the Museum's Black History Week celebration February 25-27th, 2002.

Over 650 children from Chastain, Brinkley Middle School, Bailey Magnet, Callaway, Bailey High School, Smith, Lake, Coldwater, Marshall and Watkins elementary schools enjoyed listening and questioning panelists that included former and current athletes such as NCAA long jump champion and 2000 Olympic team member Savante Stringfellow, JSU golf coach Eddie Payton, former NFL player Leon Seals, Murrah High School basketball coach Anna Jackson and former Olympic gold medal-winning long jumper Ralph Boston.

Olympic Long Jump Medalist Ralph Boston delivers a gold medal performance

Boston, a Laurel, MS native who was the first black inductee into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, said he enjoyed participating in programs like this because, "It is refreshing to see so many young people in the Museum with their positive attitudes." David Epting from Brinkley Middle School was most impressed with Boston, who won Olympic medals in 1960, 1964 and 1968. "I liked what he said about don't let others get you down. If you have a dream, work hard and keep trying. Never quit."

This was the third year for the Museum to sponsor the event. "We changed our format this year to include more speakers who might have participated in sports in high school but who went on to achieve success off the playing field, " stated Margaret Ferriss, Museum administrator. "Next year we hope to expand the number of days so more school children can take advantage of hearing from these wonderful role models."

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