MARATHON SCHOOL STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS MEET TO TALK AND REFLECT ABOUT ACTIVISM DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

MARATHON, Fla. – Marathon High School students will meet for a Black History Month panel.

Middle School students were first up last week for engagement in a community panel discussion for Black History Month at Marathon Middle High School.

The list of panelists include students and staff: Ranisha Charles, Taquoia Walker, Parker Seide, Khendra Stanton, Chef Carl Stanton, with moderator Reverend Larry White from St. Paul AME Church in Marathon.

The 6th through 8th graders had the opportunity to hear from the panelists which included students, faculty, staff, and members of the community, including the High School’s Culinary Instructor Chef Carl Stanton. Mr. Stanton said the panel allowed for students, staff and the community to share and be aware of the historical connections in today’s political climate. “I believe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr said it best: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’. I feel that statement is very important still in today’s climate. Issues need answers and solutions.”

The high school students will hear from the same panelists, with the addition of a law enforcement official, next week.

MMHS’ Media Specialist Dr. Kathy Lancaster organized the event for students in hopes of facilitating a discussion that went beyond social media for the students. “Living in a rural area such as the Keys, we can lack a balanced understanding of social issues such as the Black Lives Matter Movement. The panel leaders wanted to speak to the students as both peers and friends striving for understandings about their experiences,” explained Lancaster. “The openness with which the panelists spoke and the consideration and support of the student audience was remarkable.”

The high school panel discussion begins at 10:20 am on Wednesday, February 28th in the MMHS media center.

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