Students at Oakhaven High and Oakhaven Middle School received a powerful message about kindness, respect, and standing up against bullying during the “Bully the Bull” Anti-Bullying Event held Friday, March 6, at Oakhaven High. The event is part of the national launch of the Anti-Bullying and Youth Violence Prevention Campaign, “Bully the Bull,” bringing together students, educators, local officials, and community partners committed to creating safer environments for young people. 

Special guests promoter Sam Watson and comedian Mike Epps joined community leaders and Memphis-Shelby County Schools representatives to help amplify the campaign’s message and encourage students to stand together against bullying and youth violence. 

The initiative is part of Bully the Bull, an anti-bullying campaign founded by Hamilton High School alumnus Maurice Ballentine. Ballentine launched the Bully the Bull Foundation in 2018 alongside Kimberly Denise Walker, working to raise awareness about bullying and youth violence while encouraging students to support one another and speak up when they witness harmful behavior. 

Oakhaven High School’s principal, Jocelyn Mosby, said hearing the message from influential public figures made the conversation especially impactful for students. “Hearing and receiving the message about bullying from figures like Mike Epps and Sam Watson was incredibly impactful for our students,” Principal Mosby said. “It reinforced the idea that kindness and respect are fundamental, not just in school, but in life.” Mrs. Mosby added that events like this help create opportunities for important conversations about empathy and respect. 

“Coming from a co-parenting background with my parents, I know firsthand how vital open conversations are,” the principal said. “They taught me the importance of treating others with dignity and compassion. Events like this create a platform for those conversations to flourish and help curb bullying and unkind behavior.” 

Events like Bully the Bull reflect Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ ongoing commitment to creating safe, supportive learning environments where every student feels valued and respected. Through partnerships with community leaders and organizations, MSCS continues working to promote positive school culture and empower students to stand against bullying.

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