Tony Nichelson

Community groups throughout Memphis, local pastors, school board members, and a host of parents have joined to support the “Eyes on History” initiative that calls for the suspension of classroom instruction and lunchtime schedules for one hour at Memphis City and Shelby County Schools on Tuesday, January 20, so that students can watch and listen to the swearing-in ceremony of Barack Obama.

The initiative comes amid the sentiment of some parents who intend to take the day off themselves to watch the inauguration of the nation’s 44th President.

Those who have expressed support for the initiative include the 100 Black Men of Memphis, the “Memphis Cares” mentoring initiative, the Million Father’s March organizers, MCS Board Commissioners Stephanie Gatewood and Patrice Robinson, and the Memphis Radio Group.

Memphis City Schools  officials have said they are studying a proposal to have the initiative observed throughout the system.

The historic inauguration of Obama will be carried by all major media outlets, including radio and television, and will be broadcast Live to a worldwide audience via cable and satellite TV.  Most Memphis City and Shelby County schools have cable access or closed circuit television set-ups, and can also air the Inauguration from radio broadcasts throughout the school over the public address system.  

Organizers of the initiative are encouraging parents to become a “committee of one,” contact their local schools, and be sure their children will have all of their “Eyes on History,” on Tuesday, Jan. 20th from 11 a.m. until noon.

For more information, contact Tony Nichelson, Public Affairs Director, The Memphis Radio Group @ anthony.nichelson@citcomm.com or via The 110 Institute, 901-336-2399, 110tasks@americamail.com.