Jackson celebrates third Black History Month event, music and dance performance
In the City of Jackson's third weekly celebration of Black History Month, dance numbers from Valerie Spragins Dance Studio and Ebony Taylor's musical performance rang through City Hall with power and expression.
Inspired by childhood memories of baking in the kitchen with her grandmother when songs would come on the radio, Taylor chose Mahalia Jackson's "Trouble of the World" and Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" for her musical selection.
"I was honored and humbled to be able to do that in my city," Taylor said when asked what the performance meant to her.
"I know that my grandmother's tears was because she didn't think a day like this would ever exist, but to be standing here in her spirit is a beautiful picture of how far we have come as Americans."
More: 'A special treat': Poets and artists featured at City Hall during Black History Month
More: Black History Month: Celebrating culture through music, poetry, and dance every Friday
More: Juneteenth commemorated through music, dance and education in Jackson
A dancer for nearly a decade, Dana Jones, a dancer with the Valerie Spragins Dance Studio, says she feels fortunate to be able to highlight her culture and share it with others.
"I feel glad that I could showcase a little bit of my culture and what we bring to the table in a fun way that everybody can enjoy and watch," Jones said. "I love performing so I just wanted everyone to get that experience."
Speaking about the importance of having a dedicated space for black culture, Taylor commended the city for designating time and space to bring the community together.
"I think that the only way we become the beloved community is if we reach for one another and this is certainly a reaching for a pool of people who have been excluded, so absolutely," she said.
The final pop-up event will take place on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. and visual exhibits representing black history and culture will remain on the first floor of City Hall for the remainder of the month for the community to view.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Singing, dancing mark third black history event at Jackson City Hall
