Written by: JR Robinson

Sunday night at the Crosstown Theater in Memphis, an electrifying and transformative event unfolded—School Board The Musical, written and produced by the visionary Ladia Yates. This production was not just a musical; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and resilience. Despite controversy surrounding the event, with critics claiming it promoted negativity toward the school system, the reality was far from that. Instead, it was one of the most unifying and uplifting events Memphis has ever seen.

A Night of Unity and Inspiration

From the moment the curtains rose, School Board The Musical showcased the incredible talents of Memphis youth and the broader community. The performances were nothing short of mesmerizing. Highlights included:

• Dance Performances: Students from Ladia Yates' LYE Academy brought energy and passion to every movement, leaving the audience in awe.
• Special Guests: Vocalist Pasley Thompson, Kate Bond Middle School Cheerleaders, Memphis Jooker Larry Curry, and comedian Latoya Tennille added layers of entertainment and heart to the evening.
• Award Honorees: Community leaders such as Sarah Carpenter, Noah Nordstrom, Casio Montez, Lashanta Rudd, Jay Worth, and Tonya Lyons were recognized for their contributions to Memphis.

The show’s segments ranged from heartfelt tributes to comedic brilliance. Notable moments included McKenneth Cherry’s soul-stirring rendition of Lean on Me, Antonio Taylor Jr.’s powerful Back Against the Wall, and Nick Nova’s captivating spoken word performance. Each act reinforced themes of empowerment and hope.

Dr. Marie Fagans: A Symbol of Love and Dedication

One unforgettable highlight was Dr. Marie Fagans’ involvement in the evening. Seated prominently in the front row with her family, Dr. Fagans embodied grace and resilience. Her connection with students was palpable as she joined them on stage during the final performance. The joy on their faces reflected her unwavering commitment to Shelby County’s youth—a stark contrast to criticisms from city leaders. Dr. Fagans has consistently championed students’ achievements, making her a beloved figure within Memphis schools.

Comedy Meets Activism

The evening also featured moments of levity with Latoya Tennille’s hilarious Save Our Children Press Conference skit—a satirical yet tasteful commentary on corruption in leadership—and her performance in Kitty Kat. These segments brought laughter while sparking reflection on how communities can rise above negativity.

Unifying Voices

The night wasn’t just about performances; it was about people power. State Representative Justin J. Pearson delivered an impromptu speech that captivated attendees with its raw authenticity. His message emphasized unity and action—a call for Memphians to embrace change with courage.

Adding to the spiritual depth of the evening was Ladia Yates’ mother, Yvette Paschal, who led a powerful 10-minute prayer that felt more like a sermon. Her words inspired hope and reminded everyone of their collective responsibility to uplift Memphis’ youth.

Ladia Yates: The Star Behind It All

At the heart of this extraordinary event was Ladia Yates herself. As writer, producer, choreographer, and visionary leader, she poured her soul into every detail—from organizing vendors to ensuring seamless transitions between acts. Her dedication made School Board The Musical a sold-out success that showcased Memphis at its best: diverse, talented, united.

LYE Week: Celebrating Excellence

To honor this monumental achievement, JustMyMemphis is dedicating an entire week—LYE Week—to Ladia Yates and her academy. Each day will spotlight performances, honorees, and behind-the-scenes moments that made this event unforgettable. Through these features, we’ll celebrate how Ladia Yates and her team exemplify what Memphis can achieve when people come together for positive change.

A Vision for Memphis

School Board The Musical wasn’t just entertainment; it was a blueprint for what Memphis can become—a city where creativity flourishes, youth are empowered, and communities unite across divides. Ladia Yates showed us that even amid challenges like corruption or criticism, we can choose joy, grace, and action.

This week is dedicated to celebrating Ladia Yates’ vision and the incredible example set by her academy. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each performance and highlight how this event has inspired Memphians to stand up for what’s right—with passion, unity, and purpose.

Memphis shone brightly Sunday night because of Ladia Yates—and now it’s time for all of us to carry that light forward!