Generations of Black students have wondered the halls of McGill-Toolen over the years. Some came virtually alone burdened with the monumental task of ushering in change. In 1966 just two boys and two girls, across the street from one another, bravely desegregated our then two separate schools. As the high school at Most Pure Heart of Mary closed its doors in 1968, the first full class of Black students arrived at McGill-Toolen. In the era of Jim Crow, institutions fell in line with the times including our alma mater. We thank God for those courageous enough to selflessly endure, bold enough to break with tradition and evolved enough to facilitate transition.

Black students today don’t necessarily have to be conscious of challenges of the past; their oblivion is in part a blessing that marks how far we have come. But no matter the generation which we came, the common thread is always our pursuit and ascension to greatness. From these halls the journey became a pathway to every imaginable success we could dream. We’ve entered meeting rooms as director, chairman, counsel, councilman, president and CEO.

We’ve elevated to the highest ranks of military, leading troops into battle and earning medals while serving our country. We are elected and appointed officials for cities, states and country. Some of us make laws while others lobby and enforce them. We’ve been appointed by and served presidents. We wear uniforms, scrubs, white coats and robes. We build, engineer, buy, sell and invest. We innovate with code we create from NASA to the tech companies we own. We make, change, narrate and preserve history.

From NFL fields, to the Major Leagues and courts overseas, we are worldwide entertainers. From Funk Fest, Jazzy Blues, to Kazoola’s and the Krewe De Mon Frere we sing, dance and let the good times roll! We make movies, write books and cater the Master’s while making money, building generational wealth.

We coach, teach, mentor and prayerfully and faithfully lead families and serve God. We are the best of McT and always have and will be. Let us celebrate are own magnificent brilliance and make the journey smoother for those following in our shadow!

WE ARE McTBackNBlack!