By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Former Henry County High School History Teacher Nashedra Strong-Clay gave a rousing speech and The Madrigals sang powerful musical numbers at this morning’s Black History Month program at HCHS—and both were given standing ovations.
Notable local African-Americans were honored as guests and introduced to the student body at the program, with Student Jabari Patton serving as emcee.
In her emotional speech, Strong-Clay told the audience, “We must have an open and honest dialogue, no matter how painful, about where we have been, where we are and where we are going.”
And yes, she said, that does include discussions about slavery. “Slavery is over, but there still systems in place that have to be dismantled. And if we do it right, it doesn’t have to be a dreaded conversation.”
No matter your political persuasion, Strong-Clay described how important it was for Barack Obama to run for President and be elected President Obama. “Can I tell you what it felt like to have Barack Obama to run for President? You know, all my life I’ve said “President Clinton, President Bush. Do you know it felt like to see people on television call him just ‘Obama’. Can I tell you what that felt like?”
But, she told the students, “No matter what you see and what they say, we’re better than what they say we are. We’re better than what they describe every day on TV and social media.”
Photos: Lynnette and Rev. James Travis, Rev. Kenneth Humphreys, Rev. Leon White, and Leroy Morris at this morning’s program; Speaker Nashedra Strong-Clay; and Pat Wofford directs The Madrigals. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
