Since 2005, students at The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) have commemorated the struggles, contributions and legacy of area African Americans through song, spoken word, and dramatic performance in Sandfield Cemetery. Primary and secondary document research by students in the MSMS African American History class as well as Mr. Yarborough is utilized in public performances recounting the history and contributions of the local African American community during the late 19th and early 20th century.

In recent years, students from Columbus High School, Columbus Middle School and MS University for Women have joined MSMS students in performances.​

The 8th of May is the date the possibility of freedom came to Columbus and the surrounding area and when slavery for thousands of area African Americans was finally ended.  On this date in 1865, Union troops arrived from Alabama and effectively freed the enslaved in Columbus and Lowndes County – a group that made up the majority of the population of this region as well as the majority of the state.

The program is sponsored by The Mississippi School for Math and Science, Mississippi University for Women, City of Columbus, the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, Visit Columbus MS, Columbus Municipal School District, and Friendly City Books.

To learn more about the “Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration” visit https://themsms.org/8th-of-may-emancipation-celebration.

For more information, contact Chuck Yarborough at 662-329-7670 or cyarborough@themsms.org.