February 27, 2025
Dr. Lakeisha Cunningham, a science instructor at William Carey University, captivated attendees as the keynote speaker for Pearl River Community College’s Black History Month Presentation on Tuesday, February 25. The annual event, held on the Poplarville Campus, celebrates Black history while fostering meaningful discussions and encouraging students to reflect on the impact on their lives.
Cunningham sought to engage in conversation with attendees as she shared the importance of understanding history, so we do not repeat the same mistakes. She included time for students to share what comes to mind when they hear the term resilience, with perseverance, not giving up, and pushing through coming as responses.
“It is very important for me to be able to speak to young adults because I do feel that God has purposed me to educate and inspire; not just in the science field, which is my specialty, but also in life,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham reminded the audience how things will not come easily to you in life. Instead, there is a learning space where we are being molded and developing character-building resilience. She then provided concrete historical examples of individuals who exemplified resilience and a desire to serve others. Audience members were highly encouraged to look them up and dig deeper into their impact on communities.
She shared about Ottaway W. Gurley, the son of former slaves, who purchased 40 acres of land in 1905 designated only for African Americans under Jim Crow era laws in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the oil boom. The area first known as the Greenwood District saw Gurley and other black businessmen thrive. It was later dubbed “Black Wall Street,” one of several black communities that prospered. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, the Greenwood Massacre laid waste to the area as it was destroyed by racial violence.
Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown was abandoned by her mother at five months old, living her formative years in an orphanage. After being returned to her mother, she ran away five times because her mother wanted her to quit school and be a maid. She was dedicated to obtaining an education; eventually becoming a surgeon. She demonstrated her ability to be a ‘tough cookie’ and persevere despite the obstacles from family and society.
“Black history is American history, and it is relevant to all, not just one particular race,” said Cunningham. “It is important to learn how people in our past were educated and how they were resilient and tough and were able to be persistent and determined to achieve their goals. It’s all about character development and being the person that God is calling us to be to help build his Kingdom.”
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Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Lauren Johnson.
