Throughout the month of February, black leaders from the community will come to Blackman High School to interact with students.

“The plan is to provide students interactions with strong black leaders in our community,” stated principal Dr. Leisa Justus.

A focus on black leaders holds importance for students at the school. Some see it as a more positive step to better acknowledge the accomplishments of African-Americans.

“I’m glad they have black speakers. It’s nice to have some kind of representation, ” stated junior Diamond Bradley.

The dates, along with a description of the speakers, are listed down below:

February 10: Dr. Andrew Marshall, Emergency Physician at the Chicago University Medical Center

Originally from Barbados, Dr. Marshall moved to the United States at the age of four. He graduated from Hume-Fogg High School and Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, where he took computer science and pre-med courses. He also attended Meharry Medical College from 2011 to 2015.

He is now an emergency physician at the Chicago University Medical Center.

February 10: Dr. Maria Lynes, Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Nashville General Hospital at Meharry

Dr. Maria C. L. Lynes was born in Natchez, Mississippi, and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in 2010. Dr. Lynes graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hampton University’s Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology. She then went on to attend Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and received her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2016.

Dr. Lynes is now at the end of her first year in Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Nashville General Hospital at Meharry.

February 14: Howard Gentry, Metro Nashville Criminal Court Clerk

Gentry is a Nashville native and has been elected three times to countywide public office. He has served on the Metro Council and was Nashville’s first African-American Vice Mayor. In addition, he has been involved with several civic and mayoral engagements and appointments. Gentry received his Bachelors and Masters in Education from Tennessee State University.

BHS Library 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

February 27: Mark Gwyn, Director, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Gwyn is a lifelong resident of Tennessee, and he became the director of the TBI in 2004 (first African American Director of the TBI). He graduated from MTSU and Tennessee State University and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for professional achievement from MTSU. Also, he has completed prestigious police and investigative training on a national level.

BHS Library 12 p.m. -1 p.m.

February 28: Marcus Currie, Graphic Novelist and General Manager at Hillwood Country Club Currie is a published graphic novelist. He also is a general manager for events. He will bring his books and will show the graphic artwork.

BHS Library 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

March 16: Mike Hicks, Musician

Michael Hicks is an artist, writer, and performer. He writes and produces his own music, has his own funk group, Mike Hicks and the Funk Puncs, and has traveled extensively around the world. In addition, he has released a freshman album entitled This is Life.