The Greene County Children’s Policy Council, after school tutorial and mentoring programs, held their annual Trail Blazers Awards Program Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Eutaw Activity Center. This year’s theme: Celebrating Achievement and Pride honored seven foot soldiers of the local Civil Rights Movement.
Mr. Will Little (posthumously) was presented by Ivan Peebles and John Foster. Ms. Yvonne Washington was presented by Jamia Noland and Alkeria Cook; Mrs. Mildred Black and Mr. Lucius Black (posthumously) were presented by Kaden Jones and Victoria Jones; Mrs. Rosie B. Alford Edwards (posthumously) was presented by Courtney Davis and Talia Hawkins; Ms. Lovella Murray was presented by Lataursa Jones and Anya Jones; and Ms. Ethel Spencer was presented by JaMayiah White and DeMarius Cockrell.
Each year the SPOT students (Strategically Preparing our Teens) interview and present their research on individuals in the Black Belt region who played a role in the Civil Rights Movement. This program is a culmination of the students’ research for the 2017- 2018 school term.
Judge Lillie Jones Osborne, Chairperson of the Children’s Policy Council, stated she sat in on some of the interviews, and she was amazed at the stories shared. One of her students who interviewed Mrs. Mildred Black stated that after he heard her story he was definitely going to vote once he got old enough. This experience gave him an appreciation of the people who sacrificed so much, some even giving their lives for that right to vote.
In 2001, the Education Committee identified the need for a tutorial program to improve students’ achievement and performance levels. Judge Lillie Jones-Osborne, chairperson of the Greene County Children’s Policy Council raised limited funding and implemented an after-school tutorial program. Ms DeShayla Steele served as mistress of ceremony. Mrs. Wanda Hawkins
rendered the music. SPOT Students recited “I Have A Dream.” Mr. Jeremy Rancher Children’ Policy Council member blessed the food.