Jackson-Central Merry celebrates Black History with song and dance

Kerri Bartlett, Jackson Sun
·1 min read

Jackson-Central Merry High School hosted Wednesday a Black History Month Celebration with musical and dance performances. Students, faculty and parents packed the gymnasium to see the performances of artistic expression and cultural celebration.

The JCM Dance Assemble performs a piece inspired by dancer Alvin Ailey during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
The JCM Dance Assemble performs a piece inspired by dancer Alvin Ailey during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

The JCM Dance Assemble performed a piece inspired by dancer Alvin Ailey, while the choir led by choir director Zekydia Beasley sang the Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," kicking off the celebration.

The JCM Choir performs during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
The JCM Choir performs during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

Student Darian Pewitte recited a speech titled "What is Your Life's Blueprint"? JCM High School Band Director Alexandar Lucas conducted musical performances such as "All My Life" and "Lovely Day," just to name a couple during the event.

The JCM Band performs "Lovely Day" during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
The JCM Band performs "Lovely Day" during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

JCM Students Jeffery Davis and Ja'Nia Smith introduced a series of artwork made by fellow students and renowned local Black creative entrepreneurs spoke such as fashion designer Stephanie Wilbourn.

JCM Student Darian Pewitte recites his speech titled "What is Your Live's Blueprint" during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School in Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
JCM Student Darian Pewitte recites his speech titled "What is Your Live's Blueprint" during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School in Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

Alexander Elementary, Jackson Careers and Technology School also hosted school-wide Black History Month celebrations during the last week of March.

Students rise as the Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" plays during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
Students rise as the Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" plays during the JCM Black History Month Celebration inside Jackson Central-Merry High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Jackson-Central Merry celebrates Black History with song and dance