By: Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., Visit Natchez
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Addison Kimberly Johnson (center), the 2026 recipient of the $1,000 scholarship from the Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum, holds her certificate following the presentation on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Pictured with her are her parents, Kim Johnson (left) and Amy Johnson (second from left), and museum co-owners Betty Sago and Monroe Sago. (Photo by Roscoe Barnes III) Click on image to enlarge. |
The event marked the museum’s 19th annual commemoration
to honor the victims and survivors of the tragic fire that occurred at the 5
St. Catherine St. site on April 23, 1940. A total of 209 people died in the
blaze, including bandleader Walter Barnes and many members of his orchestra.
This year’s theme was “Mental Health: Where the Rubber
Meets the Road.” About 50 people turned out for the event.
“There are many things within our community that need to
be addressed,” said Betty Sago, who co-owns the museum with her husband, Monroe
Sago. “We are here not only to reflect on the Rhythm Club fire of 1940, but to
bring a message so we can move forward in life. One reason I chose the theme is
because the entire Natchez community was affected by this catastrophe.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the annual scholarship to a high school student who wrote a winning essay about the museum and the historic fire. This year’s recipient was Addison Kimberly Johnson, a senior at Cathedral High School, who was awarded $1,000. Johnson is the daughter of Kim and Amy Johnson, both of whom were present for the award presentation.
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| Diana Addison Hunter was the guest speaker at the Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum’s 19th annual commemoration held Saturday at 5 St. Catherine St. (Photo by Roscoe Barnes III) Click on image to enlarge. |
Diana Addison Hunter, human resources supervisor at the Mississippi State Hospital in Whitfield, served as the guest speaker. She discussed how issues like depression, chronic fatigue, and insomnia can sometimes be linked to mental illness.
“Good mental health is important for daily functioning,
and it allows for better productivity and emotional resilience in healthy
relationships,” she said. “There is no shame in seeking mental healthcare, such
as therapy, or even having a conversation with a loved one about how you’re
feeling. That shows a sign of strength, and it’s essential for treating
conditions early.”
Hunter encouraged people not to worry about the stigma
sometimes attached to mental illness, but instead to seek help early if they
are struggling.
Mayor Dan Gibson delivered the invocation and later
shared special remarks, expressing concern for young people and calling for
better stewardship of mental health resources.
“In moving forward, we need to be better stewards of our
gifts to reach out and be a help to others,” he said. “We also need to be
better stewards of the young people who have been entrusted to our care.”
Gibson said that while there has been an increase in
mental illness, there has also been a decrease in public funding for mental
healthcare.
“That doesn’t make sense to me,” he said. “Are we really
better off spending millions of dollars in this country every year
incarcerating individuals and yet we lead the world in the money we spend on
incarceration? Would it not be better to spend that money on mental health? So
many of our problems stem from mental illness.”
Gibson concluded by urging action. “It’s time to get
real, Mississippi. It’s time to get real all across this country, and it’s time
to do that which is right,” he said.
Other participants in Saturday’s program included
Stephanie Sago Vivians, who served as mistress of ceremonies, and LaKeria Kaho,
the first recipient of the annual scholarship, who presented the welcome.
Dr. Roscoe Barnes III shared remarks about his work as
the cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez. Lawrence Winston and
Barbara Evans performed special selections. Wilbert Whitley and Muriel S.
Vivians presented the door prizes, and refreshments were provided by Linda
Birdsong, Martha Gooden, Linda Williams, and Kathy Hayes.
See more at this link: https://www.themississippimonitor.com/mental-health-focus-highlights-rhythm-night-club-fire-commemoration/
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