Members of the Black History Month committee planned a program that included prayer, inspiring readings, music, and a presentation by Judge Crystal Wise Martin, a JA parent. The chapel service dedicated to Black History Month fell on Valentine’s Day, and Judge Martin incorporated God’s commandments to love into her presentation.
Judge Martin, who holds degrees from Spelman College, Georgia Tech, and the University of Mississippi Law, said her family had been part of the JA family since the fall of 2013. When she became a Chancery Court judge in 2019, she made American history as the first daughter to succeed her mother serving as a judge.
“We celebrate Black History Month because there are so many people who have made contributions to our society who have not been recognized,” she said. Judge Martin used the analogy of a football game during her talk. How would it feel if your football team was highly successful, and when honors were given, your name was left off the team?
During the years she served as host of a radio program, she had her four children research and present stories of little-known African Americans during Black History Month. She shared with JA students these stories of individuals who had significantly contributed to our world.
They included Louis Latimer, who patented durable carbon filaments necessary to make the invention of the light bulb stay lit; Mark Dean, co-creator of the 1981 personal computer with IBM and inventor of color monitors; Gladys Mae West, a mathematician known for her models that formed the basis for GPS; Lisa Giloter, the computer scientist who created the animation used in GIFs; Henry T. Sampson, originally from Jackson, whose invention and patent made portable cell phones possible; and Mississippian James Earl Jones, who voiced Darth Vader in “Star Wars” movies.
Judge Martin noted that their accomplishments were done for the benefit of all. Like these individuals, JA students have the opportunity, background, and education to make a difference in the world, she said.
As she closed, Judge Martin encouraged all students to decide to operate in a spirit of love. “You have a decision to make,” she said, noting the Biblical commandments to love God, love our neighbors, and love as Jesus loved. She challenged students to make their community the best it can be.
