MC MSA’s Black History Month performance connects history to today’s generation

Travis Jefferson, MSA president, said “Power in Our Past, Promise for Our Future,” will showcase the stories of Black leaders through history.

The Multicultural Student Association at Mississippi College will recognize the strength, resilience and achievements of African Americans during “Power in Our Past, Promise for Our Future,” a theatrical performance in celebration of Black History Month at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Swor Auditorium in Nelson Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

According to Travis Jefferson, MSA president, the celebration will highlight the voices of Black leaders past and present.

“Through history, art and storytelling, we recognize how these Black leaders have shaped who we are today,” said Jefferson, a senior marketing major from Vicksburg. “This celebration inspires us to carry their legacy forward with purpose, unity and hope for generations to come.”

He said performers have been rehearsing for weeks and are excited to participate in the annual event that has increased in popularity among MC’s African American students.

“We are excited and proud and give all glory to God for having a chance to showcase our own story,” he said.

Damien J. Thomas, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at MC, will serve as host of “Power in Our Past, Promise for Our Future.” Performers will include the Code Gold Modeling Squad led by Travis Jefferson and the Creative Council of Code Gold; the Praise Dance Team led by Gabriel Williams and Amber Smith; vocalist Shilanda Francis; actress Jaala Hemphill; spoken-word performer Akalaka Okeke; and artist Gabriel Williams.

Supporting the performance are MSA officers Leah Green, vice president; Jada McGee, secretary; Laith El-Rai, director of student engagement; Brittany King, social media coordinator; Yahzaree Gordon, event coordinator; and Jaala Hemphill, event coordinator.

Jefferson, who served as an event coordinator for MSA in 2024 and as MSA vice president in 2025, said he wants the audience to experience a powerful journey through Black history.

“They should feel proud of the past, connected to the present, and inspired to build a stronger future,” Jefferson said. “By reflecting on where we’ve come from, the program empowers us to walk confidently into the future with dignity and purpose.

“This isn’t just about Black History Month; this is about a lifetime of legacy and how we are still marching on with the same torch that has been passed down from generation to generation.”