Local News

(L-r) Dr. Edye Simpson, dean of students at St. Pius X High School, Atlanta, St. Pius principal Stephen Spellman, Black History Month speaker Karl Barnes, Vicky Dorsey, St. Pius director of alumni relations, and parent Betty Sudden-Byrd come together following the school’s Feb. 10 Black History program. Barnes is a 1968 graduate of St. Pius X. He integrated the school’s football team and he was the only African-American starter on the 1967-1968 team. Barnes earned a bachelor of science in behavioral management at Georgia Tech, where he also lettered in football and track. He also obtained an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Currently he is the director of certifications with the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council. Simpson and Dorsey coordinated this year’s Black History program, which also included a vocal performance of “O Happy Day” by Byrd and her sophomore daughter Kiersten. (Photo by Michael Alexander)