Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of late civil rights leader Medgar Evers, said she was touched to see 10 young men of color embody the legacy of her father during Friday’s ATEAAM recognition program at Weidmann’s Restaurant in Meridian.

ATEAAM is short for Ambassadors of the Evers Academy for African-American Males. Magnolia Middle School started a pilot program in Meridian this school year. The 10 ambassadors were easily recognizable in the school halls dressed in black dress pants, white long-sleeved shirts and black ties.

ATEAAM Mentorship program began in 2012 in Jackson and Canton under the direction of founder Dr. Juanita Doty. The program is in five middle schools in Jackson and Canton and in five more schools around the country. Doty said the program will expand in the fall to 12 more cities, including Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis and Louisville, Ky.

Magnolia Middle School Principal Angela McQuarley said she was asked during the school year why the students wore black ties. She said they did so to make them stand out from the regular student population.

“You have touched me. Principal McQuarley, thank you for embracing our children. Ambassadors, you stood tall, had confidence, displayed respect. You had the courage to be here,” Evers-Everette said. “This is a program that has had an impact when it started with Dr. Doty with the vision of my father.”

Evers-Everette recalled her favorite song growing up was “Little Light of Mine.”

“It’s so important ambassadors, to know that you have so much inside of you and it grows each and every day in each ATEAAM member in the lessons of respect and responsibility. This man fought for all of that,” Evers-Everette said as she pointed to a photo of her father. “He died trying to make sure it came to everyone. There are people out there that will give you a helping hand to give you the best life that you possibly can.”

Medgar Evers, a Decatur native, was assassinated in his Jackson driveway in 1963.

Evers-Everette closed her remarks by thanking the adult mentors and all who played roles in developing the young men.

McQuarley said the program is well worth the effort if it uplifts just one life.

“One of the most rewarding experiences of the program was when a parent asked me why I chose her son for the program because he was always in trouble. We picked him for the program and that student made a transition and turned it around. If we can save one child we are doing our job. We made the right decision for this one young man.”

Newly-hired Meridian School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Carter also addressed the ambassadors.

“We know each and every one of these ambassadors has potential. It’s our responsibility to tap into that potential,” Carter said. “All of us have to step up to the plate. This program is a part of who we are becoming and I’m excited about that.”

ATEAAM member Aquilla Pack welcomed guests and recited the program’s motto of “I am an ATEAAM Ambassador. I lead. I serve. I care.”

Along with Pack, ambassadors include Kai Williams, Brycen Dean, JeDerion Lewis, Jordan Jones, Brandarious Butler, Tyson McIntosh, William Lemons, Brendon Latham and Javious Davis.  

Deidre Bland, the program’s Meridian coordinator, recognized the mentors. They include Ron Collier, Bo Hawkins, Margaret Little, Gloria Wilder, Angela Turner, Adriane Mosley and Percy Bland. Guest mentors include Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, Meridian Police Chief Benny Dubose and Doty.

Program sponsors included Comcast, State Farm and JSD Foundation.

“I am delighted to salute and congratulate these Ambassadors and also salute the mentors who are part of such a wonderful organization here in Meridian,” Deidre Bland said. “These mentors have given of their time and talent to ensure the success of this ATEAAM mentoring initiative and to ensure that these sixth grade young men know that they have a ‘village’ of people who care about them.”

Percy Bland said the lessons the students have learned will remain with them.

“He stood for courage, respect and responsibility,” Bland said pointing to Medgar Evers’ photo. “This program should instil things in you for years and years to come. This program does not end in May. I don’t want to dash any of your dreams for those of you who dream about playing pro sports, but have other dreams, too. Get a second, third or fourth dream. You can do things in life without being the next LeBron (James) or Steph Curry.”