History comes alive at MCC’s Black History Month celebration
Published 1:41 pm Monday, March 3, 2025
- Judge Vel Young Graham portrays Ella Fitzgerald in the production of “The Meeting.” Graham was one of 16 performers in the Black History Month celebration hosted by MCC. Submitted photo
Rosa Parks took her seat. Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate. Jesse Jackson raised his voice.
At Meridian Community College’s McCain Theater, these iconic figures—and many more—came to life as part of “The Meeting,” an interactive production that highlighted MCC’s Black History Month’s theme of Education, Liberation and the Future We Create.
Written and produced by Jimmie Smith Jr., the play featured 16 performers from MCC and the Meridian community, portraying leaders such as Shirley Chisholm, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mamie Till, Sam Cook, Barak Obama, Ella Fitzgerald, Thurgood Marshall and others. More than a reenactment, “The Meeting” engaged the audience, bringing history to life.
“We’re trying to put love in the community and take a step back in time to possibly take a big leap forward,” Smith said.
Participants in the production included Christopher Bradley, the Hon. Veldore Young Graham, Jamiroquan “JD” Harris, Rex Hopkins, Dr. Eric Johnson II, Keemonica Johnson, Richard Kelly, H. Lorrell Martin, Gina Robertson, Jayla Smith, Jimmyia Smith, Rhonda Smith, Jaci Summers, Shelia Walker, Dr. Tommy Winston, Rufus Wrights and members of the Lady Eagles Basketball team.
The production’s theme, Come Hear a Message of Hope, blended storytelling with audience interaction, bringing moments of joy, reflection and inspiration.
“It’s definitely interactive,” Smith said. “We want to make people laugh, sing, and enjoy the performance—but also leave them with something to think about.”
Visit meridiancc.edu for more information.
