February 20. 2026
The Forrest County and Poplarville campuses of 91福利 celebrated Black History Month with dedicated events remembering trailblazers and reflecting on what each person can do moving forward.
Boney Focuses on Pine Belt Black History at Forrest County Campus Presentation
Eric Boney鈥檚 Black History Month message to faculty and staff at PRCC鈥檚 Forrest County Campus Thursday was to never forget the contributions of those who have made a difference in the past.
鈥淚n our own local community, we see the influence of black leadership and history manifested in various forms,鈥� said Boney, a retired high school administrator and Army officer who currently serves as City Councilman for Ward 2.
鈥淔rom education to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs who create economic opportunities, black leaders are at the forefront of change,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey are the voices that advocate for equitable policy, the mentors who guide youth and advocate to challenge the status quo.鈥�
The Black History program began with a message from Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President for the Forrest County Campus. Krysten Jones, Student Government Association Vice President, gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Serviceman Javion Shotwell sang the National Anthem and Diego Sosa, SGA President, introduced Boney.
Boney continued to celebrate the influential black past leaders in the Pine Belt.
鈥淭heir contributions are vital in shaping a more conclusive and just society,鈥� said Boney.
鈥淎s we celebrate black history, let us continue to honor the legacy of black leaders by actively participating in our community. We can do this by supporting local initiatives, advocating for policies that remove inequality, and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. Each of us has a role to play to continue the work that so many have fought for.鈥�
Boney, who served as an administrator in the Hattiesburg and Petal school districts, told the audience that we should never forget the contributions of past black leaders.
鈥淏lack history and leadership are not just chapters in a textbook,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey are living legacies that continue to shape our nation and our local communities. Let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and work together in the future to deal with justice, equality, and opportunities that are available to all.鈥�
Poplarville Campus Students Share Their Voice
PRCC alumnus and Fellowship of Christian Athletes advisor Kendale Lumpkins moderated a student panel featuring Bryson Chapman of Hattiesburg, Jada Johnson of Gautier, Eddie Johnson of Bassfield, and Trinity Bolton of Beaumont on Wednesday. Before asking students to share their insights, Lumpkins reminded attendees of the importance of Black History Month and why it should be celebrated.
鈥淭hese are your students, these are your peers, that you’ll be hearing from as it relates to black history,鈥� said Lumpkins. 鈥淚 think it’s really important for you to lean in and listen to them.
鈥淩egardless of whether you believe it or not, whether you’re young or whether you’re old, your life matters and something, you’re going to be remembered for something eventually. I encourage you to make it worth being remembered for.鈥�
Each student shared a word that embodies Black History Month to them before being asked questions by Lumpkins. Chapman selected unity as his word, as it is a time when people come together as one community to learn about culture. Jada Johnson chose strength as it represents resilience, courage, and the ability to overcome challenges while still inspiring future generations. Eddie Johnson picked progress as it gives people a moment to slow down and really take in how far we have come. Finally, Bolton selected resilience, representing the strength to overcome obstacles meant to stop people in their journey.
When asked how students can use their voice, Chapman replied, 鈥淪tudents can use their voice and make a positive impact by speaking up for what is right, speaking up for those that can’t speak for themselves, and getting involved in their schools and communities. Through leadership, education, and service, students can inspire change, set positive examples, and help create a more supportive and respectful environment for everyone.鈥�
Jada Johnson tackled the question on how her life experience shaped who she is as a student today.
鈥淕rowing up, I learned that our people have faced generational setbacks, and we have to work 10 times harder to get to where we are,鈥� said Johnson. 鈥淭he reality motivates me to stay focused and to not be scared as well to be successful for my family and my community.鈥�
Eddie Johnson was asked to share one of his role models. After a quick nod to his mother, he said he would pick Ben Carson.
鈥淐arson struggled with poverty, a divided family,鈥� said Johnson. 鈥淗e didn’t learn how to read until it was around high school, but he didn’t let that stop him. With faith and hard work, he became the first surgeon ever to separate conjoined twins. His story speaks volumes to me, especially about keeping your faith in the Lord and His faith in you.鈥�
Asked what advice she would give to younger students about believing in themselves, Bolton shared, 鈥淎ll it takes is believing in yourself and fighting for what you believe in. If you don’t first believe in yourself, nobody else will. We all have the opportunity to create amazing, meaningful history in our lifetime.鈥�
Recognizing Dorothy McCann Garner as a Trailblazer
Dorothy McGann Garner attended the Black History Month program with family and friends, unaware that she would be recognized.
Vice President for Student Services Dr. Kady Pietz kicked off the recognition of Garner, 鈥淎s the first African American faculty member at this institution, Ms. Dorothy Garner didn’t just open a door and break barriers, she built bridges for students who needed to see themselves at the front of the classroom in leadership positions, for colleagues who would follow her path, and finally, she built bridges between excellence and equity, access and opportunity, and aspiration and achievement.鈥�
A 1969 graduate of Riverview High School in Waynesboro, Mississippi, Garner came from Mississippi Valley State University to PRCC in 1974. She served as a public services librarian and mentor to countless students until her retirement in 2001. Director of College Libraries Tracy Smith was one of her former students who attended the recognition ceremony.
From 1975 until retirement, Garner sponsored the PRCC African American Cultural Society Club and Choir. The organization provided students with a rich cultural experience and planned many campus events, including the highly anticipated Black History Month program.
鈥淟ong before belonging became a strategic priority, you were there on the front lines, and we are so grateful for you embodying that priority,鈥� said Pietz. 鈥淵ou made students feel they mattered, that they were capable, and that they belonged in higher education. Your impact can not only be measured in years of service, which there are many, but also in the lives of the generations of students that your work transformed.鈥�
Garner took time to share her thoughts, particularly for the students to hear.
鈥淚 had some fun times here,鈥� said Garner. 鈥淚 did not know when I came here that I was the first black faculty member.
鈥淎t that time, Bilbo Hall was for single faculty and married students. I was single and met my husband here. We had wonderful times, traveling in and out of the county for recruitment. I want to thank Pearl River for inviting me to come today.鈥�
Garner was presented with a certificate of recognition and a gift by PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood, who first met Garner when he was a student at The River. Upon the program鈥檚 conclusion, Garner visited several current students and people she knew during her tenure.
For the latest news on 91福利, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (), Instagram (), Facebook (),and TikTok ().
Article by Chuck Abadie and Laura O’Neill. Photography by Alexx Kennedy and Patrick Peerboom.
