The Lockerman Middle School Chorus and North Caroline High School Rhythm of the Ridge joined forces for an evening celebration in honor of Black History Month. The combined chorus opened the evening with Lift Every Voice and Sing, a beloved poem and song penned by Harlem Renaissance writer James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson.
This was followed by a surprise tribute to LMS music teacher Leroy Potter, now in his 26th year of teaching. Music teacher Randall Butler showed a video with tributes from students, colleagues and friends, along with photos from Mr. Potter’s career. She also shared the influence that Mr. Potter had on her music and teaching career. Ms. Tina Brown, former LMS principal, spoke about hiring Mr. Potter and his effect on the music program, colleagues and students. Mr. Dale Brown, also a former LMS principal, shared stories of the positive impact Mr. Potter had on classroom and school climate.
A tribute was also paid to the late Rosalind Hoxter who was a beloved substitute teacher at LMS. Principal Jon Grow, and teachers Julie Bilbrough-Pechin and Sharon Conaway all shared stories about Mrs. Hoxter’s joyous presence, her warmth and her friendship. They also touched on her dedication and talent as a substitute teacher. Mrs. Hoxter was well known for her annual reading of Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise, and a video of that performance was played for the audience.
Student Precious Phillips provided Lockerman Middle School’s history to the audience while historic photos were shown. Student Bella Constantino provided details about the student artwork on display in the lobby which denoted “the famous as well as the not so famous contributors to the legacy of achievements in Black History.” Artwork included reproductions of some of the paintings from American artist Jacob Lawrence’s “The Migration Series,” painted by students in this semester’s Color II class.
Students then performed Stand Up and Try Me, with former chorus members in attendance joining the chorus on the risers.
All event photos are available on the CCPS Flickr page.