Sarah Thompson
Tensas Elementary School hosted its annual Black History Program on Feb. 19, transforming the gymnasium stage into a vibrant tribute honoring a century of Black history.
The event marked a spe‑cial milestone — 100 years of Black history, 1926– 2026 — and the stage décor reflected that sig‑nificance with bold colors, historical imagery, and a warm, welcoming atmo‑sphere for the many guests in attendance.
Students from every grade level participated in the celebration, many wearing specially designed T‑shirts created for the 100‑year commemora‑tion. The program opened with the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offered by Rev. Ernest Newman.
Tensas Elementary Student of the Year Aiden Martin delivered the wel‑come, reminding the audience that Black history is both a celebration of the past and an inspiration for the future. He spoke of “standing on the shoulders of giants” and encour‑aged everyone to honor the courage, strength, and determination of the lead‑ers who helped shape the nation.
The morning con‑tinued with a full slate of performances high‑lighting the talent and enthusiasm of Tensas Elementary students.
Pre‑K students pre‑sented “Dr. Martin Luther King,” followed by Kindergarten’s perfor‑mance of “Glory.” The T.E.S. Ensemble, under the direction of Terry Wells, offered a musical selection before first graders took the stage with “ABC’s of Black History.”
Second graders contin‑ued the celebration with “Hey Black Child,” and additional performances from grades K–5 included “Sing About Martin,” “I’ll Smile,” “Love Is the Key,” and “Stand Up, Speak Out.”
A special tribute hon‑ored the memory of W.T. Winston and Reverend Jesse Jackson, accom‑panied by the T.E.S. Ensemble. The program also recognized Madison Bass, Ambassador of Louisiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, for her achievements.
Mayor Frankie Robinson introduced the guest speaker, Mayor Alice Wallace of Winnsboro, who centered her message on three keys to success: work hard, be kind, and stand up for others. She encouraged students to “let your yes be yes and your no be no,” reminding them that many heroes of Black history did not wear capes — they were ordinary people who made extraor‑dinary contributions. Wallace emphasized that the world is waiting on the next generation of leaders, including future teachers, presidents, and mayors.
Wallace later shared, “It was an absolute pleasure to be the guest speaker at today’s event. The children did an awesome job com‑memorating Black History Month and its significance. I am in awe of how this school put in such an awe‑some program and the food was delicious.”
Following the program, guests were treated to a generous soul‑food meal featuring fried chicken, pork chops, barbecue chicken, ribs, neckbones, pig feet, greens, green beans, red beans and rice, cornbread, corn soup, yams, dressing, banana pudding, rice pudding, and cake, along with water, soda, and strawberry tea.
The event was supported by dedicated commit‑tees who helped bring the celebration to life. The Program Committee included Tammy Brown, Doris Gibson, Chris Jackson, Annie Marshall, and Frankie Robinson. The Décor Committee — Tiffany Johnson, Myesha Martin, Warnetta Walker, and Brandy Wilson‑Williams — cre‑ated the striking visual backdrop that set the tone for the day.
Principal Sharon Robinson closed the cer‑emony with words of gratitude and pride, noting the importance of honoring Black history and the stu‑dents’ role in carrying that legacy forward.
The 2026 program not only celebrated a cen‑tury of Black history but also showcased the unity, creativity, and spirit of the Tensas Elementary community.
