Natchez, MS, USA / ListenUpYall.com
Apr 21, 2025 | 12:28 PM
 |
Zandra McDonald, superintendent of the Natchez-Adams School District, will be the guest speaker for the Saturday, April 26 commemoration of the Rhythm Night Club fire of April 23, 1940. |
The theme this year is, “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow:
Education the Way Up,” according to Monroe and Betty Sago, the museum’s owners.
Betty Sago said McDonald was the perfect choice this year given the program’s
focus on education: “She is a product of Natchez public schools. She was born
and raised here in Natchez.”
McDonald has worked for more than 25 years in different
capacities in the school district. Her education includes a master’s degree
from Louisiana State University and a Master of Education from the University
of Phoenix. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Literature from
Tougaloo College.
In addition to McDonald, Saturday’s program will feature
Wynetta Dangerfield, teacher and co-leader of Natchez High School’s African
American Culture Club. Dangerfield will give a presentation on the club.
Music will be provided by several people who will perform
as soloists. They include Dangerfield, Tony Fields, Lawrence Reggie Winston,
and Lakeria Kaho.
One of the highlights of the program is the presentation
of a $500 to $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded each year to a student who
writes a winning essay on the museum. Last year’s recipient of a $1,000
scholarship was Daisha Green, a direct descendant of the late Mary Christmas,
who died in the Rhythm Night Club fire. She plans to study pre-dentistry at
Mississippi State University, according to the Sagos.
The program typically begins with the siren blast of a
fire engine from the Natchez Fire Department. It includes a presentation of
door prizes, refreshments, and a tour of the museum.
A new feature of the museum is a theater room where
visitors can watch recordings of the people who survived the 1940 fire.
The Sagos have been holding this commemoration for the
past 17 years to pay homage to the 209-plus victims that died in the club fire
of April 23, 1940, as well those who survived. Those who died included
students, business leaders, and Woodrick McGuire, band director of Brumfield
School. Musician Walter Barnes and members of his band also died in the fire.
For more information, call 601-597-0557 or send email
to bettysago@rnconsitemm.org.
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