Latest news with #BookerT.Washington
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Traveling exhibit at Langston Centre focuses on Black education
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A traveling exhibit exploring the history of Black education in Tennessee will be on display at Johnson City's Langston Centre for most of the summer. 'Building a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee' will be on display at the Langston Centre through July 29. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tri-Cities housing market still favors sellers, analyst says The Tennessee State Museum created the exhibit, which tells the story of Black education in the Volunteer State. The exhibit takes visitors from the Reconstruction Era to the present and also emphasizes the importance of the Rosenwald program in Tennessee. Rosenwald Schools were built across the South in the early 1900s, thanks to Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, to provide Black children with an education. Leadership at the Langston Centre said the Rosenwald program left a profound impact on Tennessee, including Northeast Tennessee. 'The majority of those schools came from Middle and West Tennessee, but there were some Rosenwald Schools built in East Tennessee,' said Adam Dickson, the multi-cultural engagement manager at the Langston Centre. 'So we think about Newport, even a couple in Sullivan County. Funds from the Rosenwald Trust were used to build the auditorium here at Langston High School, so there is a connection to Rosenwald Schools even in this part of the state.' According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it is estimated that by 1928, one-third of the South's rural Black children and teachers were served by a Rosenwald School. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Grad says Booker T. Washington High School 'a light in the dark'
Gabrielle Maes, now a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, acknowledges she made a few mistakes in life. 'My education was challenged by moments of poor judgment, yet these experiences became the foundation for my personal growth,' she told fellow graduates and those attending commencement Friday at Ivy Tech's Oakley Auditorium. She joined 13 other graduates in the Class of 2025. Maes' story is also one of success and her message was one of hope. At times during high school, she had to balance academics with three jobs, which was not easy, 'Yet it taught me a profound work ethic that shaped my character,' she said in her speech. As she faced her challenges, 'Booker T. Washington was a light in the dark,' she said. Whenever she needed help, school staff were there for her. They also gave her the flexibility she needed with her work. They also helped her realize that if she worked hard enough, she could create a better future for herself. The school offered smaller classes, better one-on-one focus and 'the best part is that the teachers treat you like family,' Maes said. Now, Maes is headed to Indiana State University, where she will pursue a pre-veterinary program with a goal of becoming a veterinarian. She completed her studies in December and is living in Greenwood, where she works at a facility that provides services for dogs. And not only did she graduate, she also was honored with the Karen Turchi Perseverance Award. 'Booker T. Washington has taught me that no matter what happened or what I did, there was a second chance waiting for me,' Maes said. 'I pushed myself to be better, to do better and I did.' School principal Cindi Hrovat said that each of the graduates arrived at the school seeking something unique: a fresh start, a supportive environment or simply a place where their voice could be heard. 'What you found here was more than an alternative education — you found a community. A place that embraced you, believed in you and stood beside you, even when you doubted yourself,' she said. Hrovat thanked families and friends for their unwavering support, encouragement and love for the graduates. 'You've lifted these graduates during tough times, and your belief in them has helped carry them to this moment,' she said. Hrovat congratulated the graduates on their milestone. 'May you continue to rise, to inspire and to make a lasting difference — wherever your journey takes you.' As graduates received their diplomas, families and friends cheered enthusiastically; after the ceremony, they greeted their loved ones with hugs and bouquets. Among those thrilled to be done with high school was Mandrill McFadden, who posed for pictures with several family members. 'It feels great. I'm so excited to be done with this chapter,' McFadden said. Another graduate, Helena Felling, said, 'I feel accomplished.' She plans to go to cosmetology school.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
As the new Champaign school board wraps up their first week, questions about the superintendent continue
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign School District board held their third meeting in six days on Thursday, as well as their second special meeting. This time, the board appointed some positions within the district, while questions about the superintendent continue. The meeting wasn't as long, coming in under the two-hour mark. It also had about 50 community members in the crowd compared to nearly 100 at the last two. PREVIOUSLY: Agenda change causes disagreements at Champaign school board meeting The meeting itself brought a lot of the same concerns with a couple of long-awaited approvals finally coming from the board. 'The people's business was delayed for a while in April. And, you know, we are the government now, and we have a responsibility to do what the people elected us to do. So I'm trying to plow through as much as we can,' said Board President Tony Bruno. Four positions were filled, including two principals. Cynthia Watson will take over at Edison Middle School. 'I do not take lightly the responsibility and privilege of serving this incredible school,' Watson said. And Cessily Thomas will take on the role at Booker T. Washington. 'Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. I am honored to lead, serve, and give back to the school that gave so much to me. Thank you,' Thomas said. Some concerns remained for those participating in public comment, with many still wanting an extension for Superintendent Sheila Boozer. 'You haven't given us one reason why the superintendent should not continue the work,' one speaker said. 'The reason that you could do this to her — and to mark the lives of a superintendent — is because you are dealing with a psychosis,' said another. Monday's meeting approved an RFP to begin the process of hiring a firm to look for the next superintendent. It also saw new Booker T. Washington principal Cessily Thomas show public support for Boozer. READ MORE: Champaign school board doesn't end superintendent's contract but approves search for the next one 'I wanted so badly to be the superintendent of my district. And now I know — because of what you have gone through — that I absolutely do not want to be a Black woman superintendent,' Thomas said. And with the meeting, the new board officially wraps up their first week on the job. 'I would just ask the public to give us a little bit of grace as we get our sea legs here and start learning how to work with each other and each other's personalities,' Bruno said. 'But I think we're going to make a good, strong team, and I'm hopeful for our district — and we're ready to move forward.' The other two additions within the district include the hiring of two Deans of Students at Franklin and Centennial. All four of the new hires will begin their positions this July. The next board meeting for Champaign is scheduled for June 9th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘It's all of our responsibility:' MPD veteran urges public, police to work together to fight crime
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — WREG sat down with an MPD colonel with nearly 40 years on the force who says fighting crime requires both police and the public. Meet Colonel Caroline Beasley with the Memphis Police. 'I joined the police department in 1987,' Beasley said. 'I started from the very bottom as a police service technician, what they call a PST, so I have been doing this. I went to homicide in 2003.' Just two years later, in 2005, while in her new role as a homicide detective, her efforts on the local level were watched nationally, even internationally, when she, along with other MPD detectives, were showcased on reality TV. 'First 48 helped us a lot in the sense that since it was just so few of us and they were just starting to film that show, the citizens felt comfortable with us. They felt like they knew us, so they would call straight through to homicide,' Beasley said. Memphis mother warns about homemade machine gun that killed her son: 'Our city is in trouble' Beasley says she continues to foster that connection with citizens in a city where she was born and raised and has raised her three children. What happens here hits home for the Melrose High graduate. 'I lost my cousin that was dear to me, and my aunt has never gotten over it,' Bealsey said, 'so we always ask people to put yourself in those shoes.' Violence has spilled into the streets of Memphis over the years. Beasley says what's even worse is knowing many of the cases involve teenagers. 'So Tom Lee Park, that happened on Riverside Drive. Our victim then was a juvenile,' Beasley said. An 18-year-old has been charged with the deadly attack at Tom Lee Park. 'Our victims were students at Booker T. Washington, and in that case, we have made an arrest,' Beasley said. A week after the fatal shooting of two Booker T. Washington students, another minor was charged with killing a store clerk. 'The suspect is a juvenile,' Beasley said. 'He went in and stole some items out of the store, and was confronted by the clerk.' Beasley says what needs to be confronted now is a culture of violence. 'We want to be a stronger, safer Memphis. Help our children. It's all of our responsibility,' Beasley said. MPD introduces camera-based crime-fighting tool Beasley says another crime-fighting tool is a program called 'Connect Memphis.' Once a resident or business owner registers their outdoor security camera, it informs investigators that a camera is present, for detectives to easily request video evidence should an incident occur. 'Every little piece, you put that together. Your information, her information, his information. You put that together, and it makes a complete picture.' In the meantime, the calls for help are still coming in. Beasley will continue answering them with hopes things will turn the corner, to allow this 38-year police veteran the chance to finally walk into retirement. 'Regardless of what goes on in this city, I am not going to give up on my city,' Beasley said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Time of India
Two teenage basketball stars, coach, and school employee among eight killed in fiery collision in Kansas
Credits: Facebook/ X/ KJRH Eight people, including two teenage basketball stars from Tulsa, a former coach, and a school employee, tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision near Greeley, Kansas, on Sunday evening. The crash occurred just after 5:45 p.m. on U.S. Highway 169, resulting in two vehicles bursting into flames. One person survived and was the victims were Donald 'DJ' Laster, 14, a freshman standout at Booker T. Washington High School , and Kyrin Schumpert , 14, a ninth grader at Union High School . Both teens were part of the Oklahoma Chaos basketball team. Laster was described as a dedicated student-athlete, one of only two freshmen to make the varsity basketball team. He was known for his bright personality, and according to Ron Horton, a teacher at Booker T. Washington, Laster's kindness stood out as much as his athletic talent. "He was just a good guy," Horton said. "He was always smiling, and everyone loved being around him."Also killed in the crash were Wayne T. Walls, 41, a former teacher and coach at Carver Middle School in Tulsa, and Ja'mon Gilstrap, 33, a transportation team member for Tulsa Public Schools . Walls had been a mentor and coach to many young athletes, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and crash took place when a GMC Yukon XL, attempting to pass a slower-moving vehicle, collided head-on with a Subaru Legacy. Both vehicles swerved before crashing into the shoulder, where they exploded into flames. The wreck occurred on a dangerous stretch of highway, with witnesses describing the scene as catastrophic. 'It was definitely a bad wreck,' said a local resident who saw the smoke rising from the crash site. The two vehicles were nearly completely destroyed by the Public Schools confirmed that three of the victims were part of their community: Laster, Walls, and Gilstrap. The district expressed profound sorrow in a statement on Monday. Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson said, 'We have lost friends, brothers, sons, and fathers. I am heartbroken for those who lost loved ones, and I am committed to honoring the immense impact each of these people had in our schools and in the lives of our young people.'The Union Public Schools district, where Schumpert was a freshman, also mourned his loss, stating, 'It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the tragic passing of one of our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those impacted.'Following the tragedy, both districts have provided support for students and staff, including access to counselors and psychologists. At Booker T. Washington, where DJ Laster had been a standout athlete, Ron Horton reflected on Laster's impact, emphasizing the teen's ability to balance academics and sports while maintaining a positive attitude. "He was a light," Horton said. 'It's a shock that he's gone.'The crash site remained closed for several hours as authorities conducted their investigation. The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to examine the cause of the collision, but no specific details have been released. The crash serves as a reminder of the dangers on this stretch of road, often cited by locals as a hazardous area due to its winding and narrow nature.
