Black history projects celebrated

For The Madera Tribune

Brittany Jacob, left, Channel 30 news anchor and reporter, discusses three Madera Method projects with Marcella Andrews at a black history ceremony Monday. Jacob was honored at the event, and Andrews was a guest speaker.

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Three years of studying black history by Madera Method students was celebrated Monday in the media center of Madera South High School. Three books, researched and written by 8th graders from Dixieland, Eastin Arcola, and La Vina schools were unveiled by Superintendent Todd Lile and presented to a gathering of local dignitaries.

Also attending the celebration was Brittany Jacob, reporter and news anchor for ABC30 television. Jacob was honored for her coverage of the three, year-long projects that produced the books. Abundant accolades accompanied the introduction of Jacob, whose work was described as a prime factor for motivating the students and connecting them with the broader community.

Monday’s program also included a presentation from Marcella Andrews who attended the 1955 funeral of 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was murdered in Mississippi by two grown white men. His funeral was held in Chicago’s Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ. One of the Madera Method books dealt with the Emmett Till story.