Murphey Middle School brought Black History Month to a close with a Living Wax Museum exhibit on Feb. 26.
Middle schoolers had the chance to select a significant Black figure from history to portray, dressing up as that individual and sharing facts about their history with visitors.
Highlight notable Black figures from history
“We hear bits and pieces of contributions made by African Americans,” said Principal Bettina Kyler on the importance of highlighting influential Black stories, especially during Black History Month.
Students showed up as a range of notables, including inventor George Washington Carver, American lawyer Eunice Carter and Katherine Johnson, a mathematician whose efforts were crucial in making American spaceflight possible.
“It warms by heart because we’re in the business of building successful adults,” said Kyler, regarding the way her students eagerly participated in the event. “They’re silly, they’re going to laugh the whole time, but when it’s time to show up, they show out.”
She also said she felt it was important to let students select which historical figure they wanted to represent, as they often are drawn to the stories of individuals they feel they can relate to.
“There’s a connection,” she said. “Like, [a student] who is emulating an athlete, they are athletic in school. So they make those connections themselves.”
“It is always about the students,” Kyler added. “Their growth and their achievement and successes.”
Doby speaks on overcoming challenges
Harold Doby III was a guest speaker at the event, sharing with students his journey through several life obstacles, including becoming a father at 15 and just recently being released from prison after 14 months – a sentence that was originally set for 45 years for failure to pay restitution.
Doby, who played basketball for Augusta University and Georgia State, has published a book, “Blessings in the Dark,” detailing his experience as a Black male growing up in a single parent household and how he rose to overcome challenges.
He shared his message with Murphey Middle’s students, encouraging them to take control of their life circumstances.
He specifically highlighted the importance of being careful when posting on social media, noting that his reputation was once affected by multiple posts he made of himself at parties.
“That’s why social media is important. Be careful what you’re posting,” he urged Murphey students.
