Pictured from left to right are LaFayette High School Principal Christy-Brock Johnson, Keynote speaker Alabama House Rep. Jeremy Gray, and East Side Elementary Principal Allyson Matthews
LaFayette- On Friday, East Side Elementary students presented their 2023 Black History Program as students observed an important day that reflected the historical significance of progress and the promise of equality for all in the future.
Students performed a variety of skits which included readings and songs from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream”, and “Freedom, Freedom let it ring”, to tributes to Harriet Tubman, and more.
LaFayette High School Principal Christy-Brock Johnson gave a powerful “Who am I” speech to the students inspiring them to reach the goals they have set for themselves and that anything as well as everything is possible. Who am I? to which the children recited back I am.
Following Johnson, was the special guest speaker Jeremy Gray, who currently serves as the State Representative for District 83 in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Gray is a native of Opelika, Alabama, and was a three-sport athlete at Opelika High School where he gained notoriety as a high school football player, and his athletic ability earned him a scholarship to North Carolina State University where he was a standout player. The Alabama House Rep. spoke on his commitment to community empowerment and engagement which are a result of an upbringing in a strong family and a desire to improve his community.
Grey spoke on the future of children in East Alabama and that their future is bright with endless opportunities for success.
Representative Gray has been recognized for his leadership and service. A member of Rural Leader Magazine’s 20 under 40 Top 4 and an Opelika Chamber of Commerce 20 Under 40 Alum. He was also recognized by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce as the 2021 Visionary Award recipient, the Council of State Government as a 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recipient, and named 2021 Legislator of the Year by the Alabama NAACP.
