Cotton Picking Day as a Black History Month Celebration ?

The Teachers Chose and Decided on This event – solely

this is quite disturbing, in this day and age. BTW, this was in Hattiesburg Mississippi. how far have we really come from the days of School Desegregation?

Why would someone have to tell a Teacher or School Administrator that having a Racist Event such as Cotton Picking Day Is Totally Offensive.

Maybe their demonstration of racist thought; proves their lack of fitness; and total misguided view of reality and social correctness.

is this what America STILL Deems Socially Acceptable to teach in schools in 2009 ?

Maybe that’s a real part of the problem, in why we have two americas.. instead of ONE Nation Under God.

How bout we just give you a lil quick refresher on Americas’ Slave Roots

and They Want to Celebrate This ?

Fire Them All Right Now – they knew better

Undoubtably they took the teaching exam in Mississippi and it includes a section on Discrimination as does each state’s Teacher Certification Exam. This is a part of review of state requirements. yes we know because we’ve spoken to many folks who’ve both taken; and given the exam.

We Hate that old stupid saying in corporate america – Those Who Can Do – Those Who Can’t Teach; Only In AmeriKKKa

Elementary nixes day for slave costumes

Brittany Brown
Hattiesburg American

Ray Coleman was shocked Monday on learning his stepson’s Black History Month calendar had declared Thursday Cotton Picking Day at Lillie Burney Elementary and invited students to dress as slaves.

“I just didn’t think it was appropriate,” said Coleman, 26, who found the events calendar among his stepson’s homework papers. “The school does a great job academically, but I think this was a mistake.”
The themed day was canceled Tuesday as part of the school’s Black History dress week after Coleman met with Superintendent Annie Wimbish. It was replaced with Career Day.

Students can pay a small fee this week to leave school uniforms at home and dress up for a daily theme related to Black History Month.

Themes are decided by the school’s Black History Committee composed of the school’s teachers

The amount of the per-student fee was unknown. In the past, proceeds from fees go to charity or school fundraisers, said Jas N Smith, a district spokesperson.

Deborah Smith, principal at predominately black Lillie Burney Elementary School, could not be reached for comment. Coleman said he told Wimbish it was inappropriate to name the event Cotton Picking Day and to invite students to dress as slaves or in overalls.

“I believe it’s something that should be taught in history, but it shouldn’t be relived,” he said. “I think they should look at the positive aspects to show students what they can achieve.”

Wimbish said she contacted Smith, who then discussed Coleman’s concerns with the Black History Committee before calling off Cotton Picking Day.

“I think the committee had the right heart when considering this and certainly had no negative intentions, because this is part of our history,” Wimbish said.

“Different people have different perceptions, so I don’t know if it would have been offensive. But we certainly want to work with our parents and listen to their concerns.”

Ann Chapman, president of the school board for the Hattiesburg Public School District, said she was glad Coleman expressed his concerns.

“Sometimes everything we do may not be politically correct, but we want to do whatever is necessary to work with our parents and children,” she said. “I think it’s always a good idea to make parents aware so they can share their concerns with us in case we need to revisit something.”

Coleman said although slavery is a part of history, he was glad school officials canceled Cotton Picking Day.

“I’m glad they decided to do something else that will portray African-American history more positively,” he said.

Medgar Evers - a murdered mississippian

We Think They could have had a day to remember a Civil Rights Hero from Mississippi – like Medgar Evers, who was slain because he was a Black Man; by Racist White Men. I wonder if these educators know about that ?