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NATCHEZ — During its Tuesday meeting, the Natchez Adams School District Board of Trustees showed continuing support for the new Frazier Extended Education and Cultural Enrichment Center, which is housed at the former Frazier Elementary School.

Founder of the non-profit Pretty Girls With Brains Bettye Bell, who co-founded the center, submitted a request to partner with organizations to expand upon the center’s offerings, which required school board approval.

“I believe they are powerful programs,” NASD Superintendent Zandra McDonald said.

Among the center’s offerings are student mentorships to both “keep them in school, but also give them valuable life lessons they need to make better choices,” she said.

School board member LlJuna Weir spoke highly of Bettye Bell’s proposal, saying that it was “extremely detailed and that speaks volumes.”

“We don’t want that school to be idle. It has been idle long enough,” added Weir. “There are so many opportunities for students to learn different trades from tourism and hospitality to landscaping, gardening and culinary arts. The list just goes on and on. It’s so much needed in our community.”

In addition to the classes offered and student opportunities, McDonald praised the work the organization has done to “transform the classrooms” at Frazier.

The school board approved the partnership with the center with a vote of 4-0. The board’s vice president Phillip West was absent during Tuesday’s meeting.

On Sunday, Feb. 16, the center hosted a Black History Month program with over 100 people attending, Bell said.

The inaugural cultural enrichment program, called “A Tribute to Black Excellence,” celebrated the profound contributions of African Americans from the 1800s to the present day.

“Attendees were captivated by oral presentations, dance performances, and monologues that highlighted the achievements of Black trailblazers in history, politics, science, arts and activism,” Bell said. “Following the program, guests enjoyed a taste of soul food provided by Southern Cuisine, offering a flavorful tribute to the rich culinary traditions of African American culture.”

Bell expressed excitement about the overwhelming support of attendees and plans to make the program an annual tradition to further educate and inspire the community.