Alumni celebrate impact of ADHIAMBO School

According to longtime friend Dr. Marcia Conston, she always knew that Deloris Wedlaw would make an impact. They grew up together in Yazoo, MS, attending kindergarten at Ms. Ann Brooks’ little school building on Lamar Avenue. Those formative years – and a life-changing trip to Ghana – would make a lasting impression on Deloris Wedlaw. What she learned in that little school building grew a desire in her heart for her own school where she would be an educator. From Tougaloo College to Ghana, her path was marked by transformation, culminating in her embracing the name Mahari.

As it came to pass, Mahari and her husband, Azma Butler, founded The Learning Institute for Children in 1979. The school began as a preschool and kindergarten and later became known as ADHIAMBO School, expanding to include grades up to fifth. Forty-five years later, former students, parents, and supporters traversed to the Two Mississippi Museums to celebrate the school’s legacy and impact at the Inaugural All-Class Reunion on Friday, Aug. 29. 

The tables, adorned with Kente cloth and authentic African art pieces from the Butlers’ personal collection, were on display. However, nothing could outshine the smiling faces from alumni of all ages. Everyone was eager to reconnect and reminisce with the privileged few who had been taught by Azma and Mahari. The crowd waited with baited breath for the couple’s arrival, and they entered the room to a standing ovation. 

Reverend Eugene Williams (5th Grade Class of 1997) stirred the crowd with a heartfelt invocation. Mistress of Ceremony Meredith Hairston (5th Grade Class of 1994) and Master of Ceremony Darian Conston Sr. (Kindergarten Class of 1986) supplied funny anecdotes and heartfelt epithets to keep the crowd engaged all night. 

Joy Young (Kindergarten Class of 1987) set the tone with a welcoming speech. “ADHIAMBO taught us the power of knowing who we are, a knowledge that is a form of liberation in itself. Your vision, your passion, and your tireless work built a community that changed our lives forever. You gave us more than an education; you gave us a home,” she expressed.

While other children may have learned the “Star Spangled Banner” and the “Pledge of Allegiance”, at ADHIAMBO school, every morning before school began, children would sing the “Black National Anthem” and recite the “Liberation Pledge”. Therefore, it was only right for DeAnna Tisdale Johnson and Autumn Hairston to lead the crowd in declaration. 

To create well-rounded youth, ADHIAMBO often enlisted professionals in the community to teach various skills and disciplines. Veronica Gail Hull taught piano and a myriad of songs that were presented during school programs. Grandmaster Lindsey Horton and Sensei Boderick Cochran of Jackson State University’s Karate Club created an atmosphere of direction and training that has lasted the test of time. Some of his students went on to become black belt-earning martial artists well after leaving ADHIAMBO. The author made it to green belt/blue stripe before a swift roundhouse kick to the side had her calling it quits. 

ADHIAMBO students also learned dance from Mahari’s own daughter, Ahsaki Butler Bell, and drumming from Rufus Mapp and Jerry Jenkins, the latter honored the former on Friday evening. And Montage Dance Troupe undulated gracefully to “Ship Ahoy” by the Isley Brothers. A special ADHIAMBO Alumni Choir honored Veronica Gail Hull with songs like “High Hopes”, the theme song from “227”, “Victory is Mine”, and “Let the Sunshine In.” The songs were interspersed with prose and poems that called back to the times alumni proudly recited similar speeches during school programs. 

Parents Lee Bush and Nkeba Imani Bell talked about their involvement as a parent of ADHIAMBO children. Bell has had three of her four children, two nephews, and one grandchild attend the school. Attending ADHIAMBO really is a family affair. Longtime supporters Mayor John Horhn and National NAACP President Derrick Johnson, whose children attended ADHIAMBO, gave encouraging words of gratitude and praise.

As the evening came to a close, Mahari and Azma were presented a beautiful blue, spiraled glass award and plaque. They were also presented a one-of-a-kind portrait by local artist Ryan Mack. A memorial tribute paid homage to alumni and parents who passed away including Dr. Gene Young and Julius Young (father and brother to Joy Young). Rev. Williams reflected on the night as a true Sankofa moment as the evening came to an end.

Though the doors of the school that once stood on Hooker Street and Robinson Road are now closed, the spirit of being “Children of the Sun” endures in every heart that once entered. May Mahari and Azma continue to shine their light on every life they touch.