Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), the largest public school district in Tennessee, has joined with LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC), Memphis' only historically black college, in an initiative to foster stronger connections between local high schools and LeMoyne. 

This school year, MSCS high school bands have performed at LOC home basketball games. Feb. 17’s game between LOC and Lane College tips off at 5:00 p.m. in the college’s Bruce Hall Gymnasium and will feature the Musical Storm Band from Kingsbury High School. The final game of the season, LOC vs. Miles College, will feature the blazing beats of the Hamilton High School band. 

“LeMoyne-Owen College has given our high school band members an extraordinary opportunity,” said Interim Superintendent Toni Williams. “This initiative not only showcases the remarkable musical talent within MSCS but also highlights our shared support for local education while promoting cultural history. Highlighting our theme for this year, this partnership allows our students to See the Future musically, culturally, and academically.”

Bringing together the vibrant enthusiasm of MSCS high school musicians with the established excellence of LOC, this partnership emphasizes the significance of bridging generational gaps and combining the strengths of educational institutions within the Shelby County community.  The collaboration cultivates a sense of pride and encourages students to aspire toward higher education. 

 
LOC Interim President Dr. Christopher Davis is excited about the energy the high school musicians will bring to the game. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the MSCS high school bands to our games, as they’ll add an extra layer of vibrancy and talent to our campus events,” said Davis. “This partnership serves as a powerful testament to the importance of collaborative initiatives that contribute to the overall growth and development of our community.”

This collaboration is a testament to the shared vision and commitment of both MSCS and LOC in promoting inclusion and community engagement. This partnership represents the celebration of educational excellence, unity, and diversity. It is the continuation of a longstanding partnership between MSCS and LOC, as each year dozens of local high school students attend college classes on the campus thanks to a dual enrollment program.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside LeMoyne-Owen College,” said MSCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Angela Whitelaw. “By providing our high school band with the opportunity to perform at LOC’s home games, we are celebrating local talent and reinforcing the importance of historically black colleges.”