Deacon Billy McCou, Jr

I had the honor and privilege to be one of Coach McCou's 10th grade history students at Carver High. Coach McCou was hilarious! Because of him I still say the word "ashcan." I remember he said in class, "I ain't going to call no names but somebody got a pair of new shoes for their birthday" as he rubbed his hand over his mouth saying my name. Lol! However, my greatest takeaway from being in his classroom was learning about Memphis' rich black history. Coach McCou put the curriculum down and taught us about black excellence from Memphis. I learned so much that I did not know. I proudly took notes as he educated us about people like Robert R. Church, Ida B. Wells, & Tom Lee, to name a few. When I became a teacher, I adopted this practice during February and educated my students about black history. Coach taught it beyond February! I am blessed to have had the privilege of being one of his students! Thank you Coach Billy McCou, Jr. for your investment in my educational journey! Rest well! Love, Dr. LaWanda Cooper c/o '95

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