Students Present Eighth Of May Emancipation Celebration

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Shining a light on history.

That was the lesson plan for students from the Mississippi School for Math and Science on Wednesday night.

Students led an Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration at Columbus’ Historic Sandfield Cemetery.

They read poetry and gave musical and dramatic performances to tell the stories of the African Americans who are buried in Sandfield.

Organizers said the program helps educate the students and the public about the full history of Columbus.

“I think it’s important for young people to recognize that our future is really shaped by our past,” said Chuck Yarbrough, a history teacher at the Mississippi School for Math and Science. “I like to say it’s not a black history, or white history, or your history, or my history, but it’s our history. These students are not only learning that but they’re sharing that with the community.”

MSMS students have been hosting this event since 2006.