E.L. Connally celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during “Teach-In” program

Schools around the district paid tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during guest “Teach-in” lectures this week. It served as a perfect way to kick off Black History Month.

At E.L. Connally Elementary, the Teach-In program featured inspirational tunes by students as well as teacher Samuel Prater, who performed “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

APS alumnus and newly elected SCLC president the Rev. Dr. Howard Creecy also kept students motivated by sharing his own experience desegregating Atlanta Public Schools in the early 1960s. “It may not seem true, but when I was your age there were rules that held us back,” he said. “Today, a lot of us hold ourselves back because we don’t have ambition. We should dream big.”

In addition to Creecy’s powerful message, students heard fifth-grader Terrance Mathews reenact a rousing version of Dr. King’s “Drum Major for Justice” speech.

Thanks to Samuel Prater for sharing information about this great event. Also, kudos to band director James Howard, and teachers Alexander Render, Michael Mathis and Dr. Mary Norris for preparing such an amazing program.