ZACH BIRDSONG

TCS Contributor

Tullahoma High School U.S.

History students had the opportunity to step beyond the textbooks on Friday, April 10, when Deacon Jackie Duncan visited the campus to speak about his experience growing up in Tullahoma during segregation.

In his youth, Duncan attended and graduated from Davidson Academy, Tullahoma’s historically black school. During his visit to THS, he shared personal stories that highlighted his everyday life, including his education and interactions within the community. Those experiences resonated with students and offered a powerful, local perspective on a pivotal era in American history.

“This kind of firsthand account brings history to life in a way no textbook can,” said class instructor, Dr. Victor Gonzalez. “Our students were able to hear directly from someone who lived through segregation in their own community, which makes the learning both meaningful and memorable.”

Duncan also described his time as a student at Davidson Academy and reflected on the challenges faced by the Black community during that time period. He also highlighted the community’s resilience and the changes he has witnessed over time, and encouraged students to always remain open-minded.

Following his presentation, students engaged in thoughtful discussions and asked questions about Duncan’s experiences, which helped students draw connections to their current studies on civil rights and social change. Tullahoma City Schools continues to emphasize real-world learning opportunities that connect students with community voices, reinforcing the district’s commitment to preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens.

“Experiences like this allow students to see history as something that happened right here at home,” Tullahoma High School Principal, Dr. Greg English, said. “It deepens their understanding and helps them appreciate the importance of learning from those who came before us.”