95-year-old receives city’s first Distinguished Citizen Award
At 95 years old, Beatrice Street was honored as the city’s first-ever recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award, presented by Mayor James A. Young on Saturday, Jan. 4, at Stevens Chapel United Methodist Church.
“I felt overwhelmed, overjoyed, and most of all grateful,” Street said. “I was surprised and felt so honored as I didn’t think that I was worthy of such an honor.”
Born in Amory, Street dedicated 39 years to teaching in Philadelphia, Kosciusko, Clarksdale, Amory, and Chicago. After retiring, she became more involved in her church and cared for her daughter, Stephanie, until her passing in 2007.
Reflecting on her career, Street expressed pride in helping students of all levels succeed and witnessing their achievements.
“I taught them to be honest, forgiving, and to learn all you can,” she said. “There were former students that people thought wouldn’t do well. I believe that good things happen and that all students can succeed whether it’s one-on-one learning or some form of teaching strategy.”
Street has served in numerous leadership roles at Stevens Chapel United Methodist Church, including Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, Finance Committee member, Lay Servant, Class Leader, Chair of Worship, and in the United Women of Faith (formerly United Methodist Women), among others.
“I served in any capacity and did the best I could do with whatever was set before me,” she said. “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
Her advice to younger generations is simple: “Do all you can, as best you can, whenever you can.” Street said she hopes to be remembered for her generosity and willingness to help others.
“I thank my parents for instilling values in me that I carry daily, and specifically my eighth-grade teacher,” she said. “She always told us to ‘be for yourself but always remember to help someone else.’”
These days, Street enjoys starting her mornings with Jesus and completing her daily devotions. She has three children (two deceased), seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Mayor Young said the decision to honor Ms. Street stemmed from her life of integrity, discipline, and perseverance as a teacher, mother, and grandmother.
“The history of Black teachers in the South is the history of struggle, sometimes to get in the system, and to be respected in the system,” Young said. “She, along with many others, was able to do that.”
Young praised Steet’s ongoing mentorship and the wisdom she shares with younger women in her community.
“When you think about what’s right or wrong, there’s no ‘old right,’” he said. “She embodies all the right things in a woman, a teacher, a mother, and a grandmother.”