Throughout the month of February, Black History Month, South Tattnall Middle School (STMS) students have been actively engaged in learning about and highlighting the significant contributions of African Americans in our society.  Several of these students shared their insights with the Tattnall County Board of Education (BOE) members at their Monday, February 26, 2024, meeting.

"These students have taken the initiative to educate themselves and other students and staff at STMS by sharing fascinating facts and stories over school announcements, which have shed light on the achievements and struggles of various Black historical figures. These students are commended for the time they have devoted to research, and they have given us a deeper reflection on the impact and legacy of these pivotal figures in American history," said Tori Flowers, STMS Assistant Principal, who introduced the six students making the presentations to the BOE members.

Eighth grader Diamond Tarver talked about Harriet Tubman, who was an American abolitionist and social activist. After escaping slavery, Tubman made several missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including her family and friends, often utilizing the Underground Railroad. She later was an activist in the movement for women's suffrage.

Jordyn McKeachie,  a seventh grader, commented on Katherine Johnson. She was an American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics as a NASA employee were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. spaceflights. Her career at NASA spanned 33 years, and she also helped pioneer the use of computers to perform these mathematical tasks.

Jordan Nails, a sixth grader, talked about Warren Moon. Moon is an American former football quarterback who played professionally for 23 seasons. He is considered one of the greatest undrafted players in NFL history. He played  for the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs.

Eighth grader Christyonna Young shared her research on Michelle Obama, an American attorney and author who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017; she is married to former U.S. President Barack Obama.

Campbell Atkinson, a sixth grader, researched Barack Obama, who served as the 44th President of the U.S. from 2009 to 2017.  He was the first African American president in U.S. History. Barack Obama was also a civil rights lawyer and university lecturer.

ZaDerius Anderson, in the seventh grade at STMS, studied Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was an American Christian minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.  He is well known for his "I Have a Dream" speech, which calls for unity and fairness for all Americans, advocating the use of nonviolent forms of protest.

Assistant Principal Flowers commended the students on their roles as leaders in the school, part of the innovative STMS changemakers.  The BOE members applauded these students and their investments of time and study into these notable Black leaders in various fields.