Video: Local Students Bring History to Life

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Some local high school students are bringing history to life.

A group with the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science gathered at Sandfield Cemetery Monday night to recognize the 8th of May Emancipation Celebration.

That’s when the slaves learned they were free, after the Civil War ended in 1865.

Students dressed up in costumes, and reenacted the event for their African American history class.

They say it’s important for the community to know why this day is so special.

“It’s really amazing to see that if we show that African Americans and Quakers and other nationalities actually helped build Columbus to what it is today, we can fully appreciate them, and keep up Sandfield Cemetery,” said Tiana Spivey, an MSMS student.

MSMS students have been putting on this event since 2004.