Roysean Philson speaks during the Ferriday Junior High School Black History program, Friday in Ferriday. He talked about what his students ask him about black history month, why they have a black history month and how the event first began. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Guidance counselor, Nichelle Payne recites a poem by Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” during a tribute to Dorothy Parker Friday at the Ferriday Junior High School Black History program, Friday in Ferriday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Fred Marsalis Jr. talks with students and parents during a Ferriday Junior High School Black History Month program in 2018. Marsalis asked the Concordia Parish School Board Thursday for higher compensation and back pay for his work as a department supervisor. (File photo | The Natchez Democrat)

Guest speaker, Fred Marsalis, talks with students and parents during the Ferriday Junior High School Black History program, Friday in Ferriday. Marsalis, spoke about Emmett Till and his mother, the racial divide within our own community. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Ferriday Jr. High Principal, Toyua Watson sings during a tribute to Dorothy Parker at the Ferriday Junior High School Black History program Friday in Ferriday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Guidance counselor, Nichelle Payne recites a poem by Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” during a tribute to Dorothy Parker Friday at the Ferriday Junior High School Black History program, Friday in Ferriday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Ferriday Jr. High students listen during the Ferriday Junior High School Black History program, Friday in Ferriday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Students return to class and gather the 40 posters they made during the Ferriday Junior High School Black History program, Friday in Ferriday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)