The reciting of the poem “Invictus” was one of the highlights of the Black History Month Program hosted by the Mineola Historical Museum Board in partnership with McFarland Foundation Thursday evening.

Shirley Bryant Robertson, speaking on the history of McFarland South Ward High School and the origin of the school museum she had curated in a room in the Leonard Gregory Complex, began the poem. Robertson is a member of the McFarland Class of 1961, valedictorian. Another member of the Class of 61, actor Matthew Greer, finished the lines of the poem. Members of the audience joined in in reciting the example of the education received at McFarland. It was just one example of the moments and memories shared with 75 people who attended the program in the Addie E. McFarland Center Meeting Room.

Robertson listed the many successful men and women who have graduated from McFarland who became everything from mayors to dancers and state politicians and successful business owners, many of whom are represented in the museum that opened last summer. The last graduating class was 1966 as integration began with the class of 1967. 

Jill Brandon performed two songs. A Mineola High School graduate and former East Texas Inspirational Artist of the Year, Brandon says her goal is “to create music and art to share a message of love and healing to all.”

Mayor Jayne Lankford spoke at the ceremony on the fact that all men and women are descended from the same people and the importance of remembering history. In addition to the mayor, the program was attended by members of the city council and administration, Meredith Foundation, as well as the McFarland Foundation.

Museum Board Chairperson Novada Bigham served as master of ceremonies. She is a history maker in Mineola, having served on the Mineola City Council for 22 years representing Ward 3. The program concluded with the opening of the doors of the museum in the old school’s gymnasium and attendees viewing the exhibits which include a tree constructed by students at the college where the Robersons’ daughter, Urissonya Flunder, is executive director of Student Life.