Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is at the forefront of helping our boys of color gain more exposure and access. On Dec. 2, students from the Band of Brothers mentoring and tutoring program visited The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery to learn more about local and civil rights history. 
 

The boys came from seven schools across the district to the museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the works of Dr. Ernest Withers. They were joined by  broadcaster and motivational speaker Michael Adrian Davis, who helped to chronicle the event, and Dr. Michael Lowe, Director of Equity and Access for MSCS. 

“This museum offered us the opportunity to explore our history through civil rights, music, sports, and culture,” said Lowe. 

Lowe added that the story of the Memphis photographer was also inspirational because it showed the power of one man who “took a hand-me-down camera” and honed his talent in the pursuit of social justice. 

During the visit, Micah Thompson, a student at Bellevue Middle School, focused on the theme of uplift and collaboration. 
 

“As Black brothers,” said Micah, “we are one of the most endangered species. We’re killing each other for no reason. Over an argument. Petty anything. I feel like we could change that.”

Emotional health is one of the program’s core values. The other principles are integrity, self-determination, goal setting, and respect for womanhood. Through trips and small-group discussions, the boys learn more about these values and explore their own civic responsibility to boost Memphis and their fellow brothers. For more information about the program, visit http://www.scsk12.org/ourboys/.