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Song "How Excellent" - Click button to play or pause
Mrs. Shirley Pitts, Founder & Director
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Sharing their message of Hope, Love, and
Racial Harmony across the country!
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Our History
The nationally famous Jackson High School Black History Tour Group was formed in 1994 and its primary goal is to educate people about diversity and to fight racism. The thirty-thirty-five young people travel around the state and country to deliver their message of hope, love, and racial harmony. They do this through programs which involve skits, songs, poetry, dramatic readings, and cultural history. The Tour Group targets areas where there is little or no diversity and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Tour Group continues to perform at schools, servicing thousands of students. Along with sharing the beauty of the Black culture, the Tour Group give students and staff members stickers and prizes. The Tour Group also performs for various community events as well. The requirements for being a part of this group are strict. The students must have good grades and have a sincere interest in sharing the Black culture and history. Also, students must be positive role models in the school and the community.
Jackson Public Schools, the city and community of Jackson, and the state of Michigan all recognize and appreciate the efforts of the Black History Tour Group. The Group has received many honors and awards for its efforts. All requests for performances should be made by contacting the Director, Mrs. Shirley Pitts at: 517-841-3831 or fax 517-768-5910. The email address for the group is: Inquire@BlackHistoryTourGroup.org.
"We Won't Give Up" CD
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The Tour Group has now reached national prominence, having performed at the White House twice, the Presidential Inauguration, and other prominent events. The Tour Group has also performed for the Michigan Senate, Gov. Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and First Gentleman Dan Mulhern. The Tour Group celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2004 with Dr. Maya Angelou as the guest speaker.
The Tour Group pays for its own expenses and never charges to do any of its programs. Monies are raised through donations, grants, love offerings, etc. Many businesses and churches have supported the efforts and vision of the Black History Tour Group. The Tour Group has a new CD entitled: "We Won't Give Up". The cost is $10.00 and make checks payable to the Jackson High School Black History Tour Group.
January 1, 2007, Tour Group was invited by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to perform at her inauguration. Truly, this was a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
In February, 2007, Tour Group was invited to perform at the White House for President Bush, Condoleeza Rice, and other dignitaries. President Bush introduced the Group and the Group performed five songs. This was truly a very special performance as the Tour Group was the only group invited to perform for this event celebrating black History. Tour Group members were able to meet and shake the president's hand as well as take pictures with Condoleezza Rice and him.
You may call the Tour Group office to order your CD or you may just mail in your payment and the CD will be sent to you. You may mail in your requests to:
The JHS Black History Tour Group
544 Wildwood Ave.
Jackson, Michigan 49201
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