Clarke County School District security officer Marvin Walker sits in his golf cart in the Clarke County High School student parking lot on February 15. In years past, Walker has celebrated Black History Month with people from his community. “(My community has) a dinner at the Civic Center over at East Athens Community Center. We have a little dinner to commemorate Black history. The kids come in and they do speeches and get told stories about our history,” Walker said. “I appreciate that we participate in it because the only way we can understand each other is to appreciate our contribution to (Black history).” Photo and story by Wyatt Meyer
University of Georgia journalism major Lucy Burtsch stands in front of a tree on Feb. 14. After growing up in Atlanta, where Black-owned businesses are prominently featured, Burtsch wishes there was a way to highlight the local Black-owned businesses in Athens. “As a community, we probably could celebrate Black-owned businesses more, at least in the Athens community, because I know in Atlanta they have this app where you can look up Black-owned businesses and it's so much easier. Here, it's so much harder to find businesses like that,” Burtsch said. Photo and story by Isabelle Galis
Clarke Central High School head track coach, varsity football defensive coordinator and physical education teacher Justin Jones sits in the weight room in the James M. Crawford Memorial Arena at CCHS on Feb. 11. Jones’s motivation as a coach was influenced by important figures in his life, both past, and current. “My parents were consistent in my life, going to work, making sure you go to school, things of that nature, and then just other coaches that I've had, not only coaches that coach me but coaches that you coach with (me) and even some of (my) athletes. You know, they are the reason why you do what you do,” Jones said. “So obviously, my parents, former coaches that have coached me, personally, and I've coached with and them, some athletes that I've coached. They kind of light a fire under you that you want to help them get better, want to see it through. So, that's probably the reason why I do what I do.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by Victoria Garland
Clarke Middle School Interim Principal Dr. Amanda Gorham stands in front of a Black History Month themed poster at CMS on Feb. 15. Gorham feels that the current Black History curriculum is overly focused on slavery. “I think we look at Black history from the aspect of slavery, and the rise from slavery, but we don't look at it from the perspective of kings and queens that once thrived in our African continent,” Gorham said. “I don't think that we do enough to talk about that part of the culture. You are derived from kings and queens, not just slaves.” Photo by Chloe Sears, story by Maya Shrivastav
Founder and Executive Director of “Education Matters,” a teen-run radio show that gives students a voice in the community, Rick Dunn, sits in his office on Feb. 8. Dunn started the program with the goal to show people the significance of education, something that has always been important to him. “I had a lot of self-doubt (as a kid). I didn't know what I wanted to do with life. I just wasn't sure. And there was a teacher, a history teacher,” Dunn said. “He kept me after school and we started talking and he started pouring into me how capable I am or could be. And so I guess I'm paying it forward with the kids that I work with now.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by Riley Ramsey
Piedmont Athens Regional midwife Anthonia “Toni” Anukam sits on stairs at Dondero’s, a local café, on Feb. 6. For almost 27 years Anukam has worked hard to positively impact the Athens community through her job as a healthcare worker. “Every single day my goal is to somehow make somebody's life better. And it doesn't necessarily have to be with pills and instruments, (it can be) just saying a kind word,” Anukam said. “When I go in to see a patient, I have one goal. My one goal is I want to see this person in a better frame of mind than when they come in.” Photo and story by Riley Ramsey
Former director of the Athens Tutorial Program and retired educator Annice Ritter stands in the Athens-Clarke County library where she tutors students every week as a volunteer for the Athens Tutorial Program on Feb. 6. Ritter was an educator in Athens for decades before she retired, and now continues with her passion for educating by volunteering as a tutor. “(With tutoring) you get a chance to just give (the students) much more time. Get a chance to see more of their strengths. Sometimes, I’ve found that that's all they need is that little extra bit of time,” Ritter said. “It gives me a chance to (get) to know them a little better.” Photo and story by Riley Ramsey
Clarke County School District Chief of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Lawrence Harris sits on a bench at Clarke Central High School’s Ceremonial Entrance on Feb. 9. Although Harris dealt with being treated differently because of his race throughout his years in elementary school, he has felt that those experiences and lessons have helped shape his career. “In my elementary years when I lived in New Orleans, (Louisiana) and Columbus, (South Carolina), depending on what school I was at, there were times that even me and my siblings talked about feeling treated differently, especially when we moved outside of Birmingham before we went to the more fluid area,” Harris said. “You're treated, unfortunately, like you're less than, but I think my parents raised us to believe in ourselves every day and they said that we can do all the things we put our minds to, it's just gonna take some work. So we always used to focus on that (and) I think it’s (actually) fueled my desire to have a dream and idea of what (CCSD) one day could look like.” Photo by Chloe Sears, story by Miles Lawrence
Cedar Shoals High School social studies teacher and Clarke County School District parent Montu Miller sits on the front steps of Clarke Central High School’s Ceremonial Entrance on Feb. 14. After working in the CCSD for 14 years, Miller has felt that teaching has given him an opportunity to learn from those who are younger than him. "I feel like since I've been a teacher, I really have learned from the young people. I'm one of those teachers whose classroom is really student-based and student-centered, so I really do listen to my students. I'm just not one of those authoritarian teachers that are just like, ‘This is what you need to do because I am your authority and I'm the teacher,’” Miller said. "Listening to the kids has allowed me to open up my mind a little bit more because Generation Z’s focus is a little bit more equity-based, and (they) have more open hearts and open minds than the generation that I came from." Photo by Aza Khan, story by Miles Lawrence
Clarke Central High School Class of 2009 graduate and Artist/Entertainer Cassie Chantel sits on the stage at Hendershot’s Coffee Bar on Feb. 9. Chantel started making music and writing poems at a very young age, and sees her music not only as an outlet for creativity but also as a way to inspire others.“(Music) pretty much is my life. Literally this year, I had to realize, 'wait, who am I outside of making music?' It’s my way of expression in a lot of ways (and) it's my way of making money.” Chantel said. “I don’t wanna sound like a superhero or something, but it's like, I do feel a duty to express myself because every time I do express myself, I find that someone appreciates it and ends up feeling like they tell me, at least, that they needed that or they look to me and they’re inspired. And they need to know that someone is continuing to do something that they love.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by Ollie Hendershot
Clarke Central High School varsity boys basketball coach and special education department teacher Dr. Stefan Smith sits behind his desk on Feb. 15. Smith has been through a lot to get to his career of being an educator while being a basketball coach. “Coming back, you know, I didn't necessarily think about just coming back home. I mean, that wasn't necessarily my thing. I was going to go out and venture out into the world,” Smith said. “But, I ended up gravitating toward education. When I was in college, I went through a lot of different majors. I was gonna be an electronic engineer, but I think at the time I was chasing money, I wasn't chasing who I was. And I kind of found out who I was (when) I started working at a Boys and Girls Club and (being) a mentor. I enjoyed working with students in coaching basketball.” Photo by Zoe Peterson, story by McKinley Dykes
Clarke Central High School math department teacher Tamika Henson works at her desk in Room 106 on Feb. 16. Henson has taught her students at a high level to make sure they could be successful whether that be in college or in life. “Life will hold you to a higher standard, whether it’ll be academic or whether it’ll be personal, or just everyday life,” Henson said. “You have to work hard for everything, no excuses, and establishing those routines and goals and habits now will lead them further in life.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by Kendarius Butts
Gifted Minorities Achieving member and iliad Literary-Art Magazine Outreach Director Salai Diekumpuna, a junior, stands outside of CCHS on Feb. 16. Diekumpuna has been a part of GMA since her freshman year and recently submitted a proposal for the organization to sponsor a celebration of Black history that goes beyond Black History Month. “It is Black History Month, and we were like, ‘It doesn't have to be a February thing. It can be an anytime thing,’” Diekumpuna said. “Black history should not be limited to tragic stories in February, it can be any time, and it doesn't have to be tragic. It can be a celebration of how far we've come, which we have come far.” Photo and story by Victoria Garland
Clarke County School District Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins stands outside of the Clarke Central High School front office on Feb. 16. Gaskins believes it is important for CCSD students of color to be able to relate to others beyond their common racial identity. “I think that, especially for minority populations, we do see race as the first layer of someone that we're more comfortable with. I would encourage teachers to help students identify that we're more than just race, right?” Gaskins said. “So another Black boy may feel comfortable talking to me because I'm a Black man. But I may not be able to empathize with all of the things that he's going through, so it's my responsibility to connect him with somebody else that may be a better support. I think that starting with race is perfect, but I think it's also our responsibility to say, '(For example,) I am more than just a Black man. I'm (not just that), that doesn't characterize me.’” Photo by Isaac Ramirez, story by Demi Thomas
Clarke Central High School principal’s secretary LaToya Hill sits at her desk at CCHS on February 15. Hill grew up in Athens and believes that remembering Athens' Black History is important. “We just have so much rich and diverse history in Athens. It's incredible. So to not utilize (this history), and for so many people to be here and not know (is unfortunate). Even this school's history is all about Black history. So it's unfortunate, and it's our jobs, all of us, yours, mine, to make sure that history is known,” Hill said. “It's imperative that we at least know our own history right here in Athens.” Photo and story by Wyatt Meyer
Local Athens artist Broderick Flanigan stands in Flanigan’s Portrait Studio on Feb. 25. Flanigan hopes to start a conversation on different issues and topics through his art. “My people, Black people, inspire me a lot. I like to capture what goes on within the Black community, Black culture, and share that with broader audiences. Also, just engaging people in dialogue around different community issues and stuff like that is always good for me,” Flanigan said. “Some of the good things art can do, in some cases, (is) motivating people or raising awareness around certain issues and calling things into question, and (also) critiquing certain systems. Some art does a pretty good job at doing some of those things, and so I like to think that my art fits into some of those spaces of raising awareness.” Photo and story by Ollie Hendershot
Burney-Harris-Lyons seventh grade science department teacher Christina Hylton stands outside Clarke Central High School on Feb. 22. Hylton has celebrated Black history during February and beyond by giving thanks to her ancestors every day. “I celebrate Black History Month every day because being a Black woman is part of who I am, my everyday lived experiences. But during Black History Month I certainly do give extra attention to it and try to really consciously think about some of our ancestors who paved the way, particularly in education,” Hylton said. “So I like to think about the work they (did) and remember that it is because of them I am today and there is a lot for me to carry forward.” Photo and story by Princess Victoria De Paz
Clarke Central High School special education department teacher Lawanna Knight sits on a bench in front of CCHS on Feb. 15. Knight feels that Black history should be celebrated not only in February, but throughout the year. “While a little bit of effort is being put forth for Black History Month, based on everything that Black people and African Americans, and other minorities as well, have done for this country, I kind of oppose all this being celebrated in just one month, and not being celebrated throughout the entire year,” Knight said. “It would be different if everything was celebrated throughout the entire year and then we just want to highlight and do things for one particular month." Photo and story by Maya Shrivastav
Clarke Central High School Officer Chantell Sheats stands on the East wing stairwell at CCHS on Feb. 23. Sheats, who graduated from CCHS in 2007, has used her life experiences to guide and mentor kids. “Just by me being in their shoes in the past and then having peers that have fallen off or died by the gun or overdose or just went missing, I just try to encourage them that we are here for you,” Sheats said. “What I've done (is) I expressed to them that's not the way. I just give them my experiences of life and my peers’ experiences of life (and tell them) that those are not the routes you want to go.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by McKinley Dykes
Clarke Middle School Counselor Jhmarcus Pharoah stands in Mell Lobby at Clarke Central High School on Feb.15. For Pharaoh who has been an educator for 4 years, it is important for students, particularly Black males, to have a safe space in schools. “(I taught) this particular group of Black boys (who) were kids that teachers did not like (or) they didn't care about. I'd take them (to) my black male empowerment group, to see what teachers would describe as some of the roughest, toughest boys in the school let their guard down in that space, " Pharoah said. "I can't control the rest of the world, but I can control what happens in my office and my space. I created a space where they felt safe enough to tell their stories.” Photo by Isaac Ramirez, story by Demi Thomas
Clarke Central High School Class of 2017 graduate Adrienne Lumpkin stands outside Clarke Central High School on Feb. 11. Lumpkin, who graduated from CCHS one year early before graduating from the University of Tampa, began medical school with a passion for patients' rights after observing a doctor incorrectly performing an epidural on a relative. “I did research because I wanted to understand what he did wrong, and why she could still feel everything. Then I found the profession of anesthesiology, based on an anesthesiologist who was not doing a great job,” Lumpkin said. “I knew then that I wanted to (be an anesthesiologist) because I want to do things right, and I want to listen to my patient, (and) I want to understand that every patient is not the same. I want to take the time to get to know every patient because doctors don't anymore. That really drove me to be the doctor that will literally take his job. And, now I'm here.” Photo and story by Temprince Battle
Clarke Central High School Class of 2018 and Athens rapper Jeffrey Blakely, who performs as Kxng Blanco, sits at the CCHS Ceremonial Entrance on Feb. 17. Blakely has been in the spotlight since he was a kid, and was influenced to be a musician in his adolescence. “Early talent shows, Boys and Girls Club, (doing) stuff like that during the summertime (inspired me). Just throwing yourself in that type of competition, not knowing who's gonna do what, but just still going out there and doing it,” Blakely said. “My first time on the stage at talent show rehearsal, I sang some Michael Jackson, and the room was just shocked because I was always a quiet kid in school. So when I saw people’s reactions and saw how people love me, that’s when I knew this was it. This is what I wanna do.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by Se’Kayia Miller and Lucas Donnelly
Clarke Central High School Assistant Principal and Building Level Coordinator Latinda Dean sits at her desk on Feb. 16. Dean has formed the belief that it is important for all students, specifically Black students, to be themselves and pursue any goals they have in life. “You matter, regardless of some of the experiences or encounters that may have told you otherwise. Just remember that you matter,” Dean said. “You don’t have to fit in with the stereotype of what other people expect you to be just because you look a certain way. You don't have to limit yourself to (a) lifestyle. You don't have to subscribe to other people's ideas of what you should be.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by Kendarius Butts
Clarke Central High School substitute teacher Barbara Thurmond Archibald poses for a headshot in Room 234 at CCHS on Feb. 16. Archibald attended the former all-Black Athens High and Industrial School, renamed Burney-Harris High School in 1964. “When I was in high school, I think in the 11th grade, we had our first White teachers. We (only had two) in the whole school, and I think that was because they had to in order to say they had integrated the schools,” Archibald said. “We had freedom of choice. I could have gone to Clarke Central if I wanted to, or I could have stayed at (the) all-Black school. It was up to the individual or the parents. Some of our students transferred to Clarke Central. My parents decided we would stay at the all-Black school, which we did.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly, story by Temprince Battle