McKinney Molds Future Black Historymakers

By Eva D. Coleman, Lifestyle & Culture Editor

The hope of ancestors permeated the room as families gathered around college information tables and participated in career discussions during College Megafest on Feb. 18, 2023 in McKinney, Texas. Sponsored by Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church, affectionately known as “The Mark” and the McKinney Chamber Foundation, friendly faces filled the Collin College McKinney campus conference center with warm greetings for the business at hand of ensuring students are prepared as they move forward in their educational aspirations.

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The College Megafest event is an annual offering of the City of McKinney’s Black History Month activities. Over 30 colleges and universities were represented, workshops were offered on ACT/SAT college entrance exams, financial aid, and featured panels on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and business and law careers. Two scholarships of $2500 and $1500 were awarded to deserving high school seniors at the conclusion of the event.

College Megafest lead committee member De’Shea Bennet expressed joy in the event’s success, and from her incremental times at the podium, reinforced the need for students to take full advantage of the daily activities and networking opportunities that were provided at no cost. McKinney City Council member Geré Feltus delivered greetings on behalf of the City of McKinney, emphasizing her commitment as creator of the McKinney Black History collaboration that partners with the community to deliver impactful programming throughout the month of February and beyond. There are more events scheduled as the McKinney Chamber Foundation rounds out Black History Month, including a lecture series on Feb. 23 featuring former United States Trade Representative and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk.

For more information, visit mckinneybhm.com