Selma Middle and Clayton High Schools in Selma, North Carolina

School Spotlight commends Selma Middle and Clayton High Schools’ students celebration honoring Black History Month. As their program states, these young African-Americans are “Remembering the Past … Shaping the Future.” (To read the original article in its entirety, click here.)

Source: TheSelmaNews.com

Students from Selma Middle were invited to attend a “Black History Month” event hosted by “Men of Distinction” — a community organization including members of the local Smithfield chapter of the Kappa fraternity and nine members who are students at Clayton High School. The purpose of the event was multifaceted:

• A kick-off in helping them celebrate “Black History Month”
• To encourage Selma Middle’s minority male students to pursue their education,
• Encourage and help them understand the importance of making wise decisions,
• Encourage them to realize and aspire to achieve their fullest potential.

Marlon Lee, advisor for Men of Distinction was happy with the outcome of the event stating, “I think hearing from the high school students was really good for [the Selma Middle students].” Selma can be a tough area to grow up in, but they do not want that to become a reason not to try. So, it helps when someone close in age tells them they can accomplish whatever they aspire to do. That kind of encouragement goes a long way.

At the event, Selma students learned it is necessary to do more than just strive to “pass their classes,” — they want them to excel. These young minority students are learning that there is still a chance for them to be pioneers in many areas of the world, things that they can be first at. Lee reiterated this with his becoming the first black man to become coach for Clayton High School at the varsity level.

Source: DiscoverBlackHeritage.com

The students from Clayton High are already “Men of Distinction” and well on their way to becoming leaders for their younger counterparts. Add to this the willingness of Selma Middle’s students to listen and follow Men of Distinction, and it creates a recipe for great success. Perhaps these two schools have hit upon an integral part of the equation that is missing — youth inspired youth leaders.

The encouragement of young men by schools, community and organizations to grow their knowledge of minority figures in America’s history helps get them in touch with greatness that they can identify with. These students from Selma Middle and Clayton High already possess the fibers found in some of the greatest figures in all of history.

As more schools participate in projects for Black History Month, more heroes and leaders are being identified and revered for their part in edging America toward becoming a better place. Do you know of a special project or program going on in your community that is helping to promote and cultivate young leaders? Use the box below to fill us in on the beautiful details.