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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 by Mrs. Shirley Pitts and its primary goal is to educate people about diversity and to fight racism. While teaching English at Jackson High. Mrs. Pitts felt that because Black History was not being promoted or taught in the schools, something needed to be done. Thus, the black History Tour Group was formed. The young people in the tour group travel around the state and the country to deliver their message of hope. love, and racial harmony. The students do this through programs which involve skits, songs, poetry, dramatic reading, 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 performs for students from pre-k through college. Along with sharing the beauty of the black culture, the Tour Group gives students and staff members stickers and prizes. The Tour Group also performs for various community events as well. The requirements for being a part ofthis group are strict. The students must have good grades, recommendation letters and a sincere interest in sharing black history and culture. They also must be positive role models in the school and the community
Thc Tour Group's musician is Mr. Elijah Wilkins, who is quite an accomplished musician and a former Tour Group member himself. The Tour Group pays for its own expenses and never charges to do its programs. Monies are raised through donations. grants. love offerings. etc. Many businesses, churches. and other community venues have supported the efforts and vision of the Tour Group. The group also has a CD entitled "We Won't Give Up" which is also used by the Group to raise fuinds. The CD may be purchased by calling the Tour Group office (517-841-383 I) or you mail in your request to:
The JHS Black History Tour Group
544 Wildwood Ave.
Jackson, Michigan 49201
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Please make check or money order for $12.00 payable to the Black History Tour Group.
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. The Group has reached national prominence, having performed at the White House three times. Presidential inauguration of George Bush and most importantly, the Group performed at the historic Inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009. The Group has also performed for the Inauguration of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Tour Group was the only choir in the country to perform for President Bush and Condoleezza Rice at the White House in 2007. The Tour Group celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2004 with guest speaker Maya Angleou and is looking forward to another anniversary celebration soon.
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"We Won't Give Up" CD
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