A group of young people gathered directly outside the windows of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board meeting Jan. 14 at the Board of Education to rap GloRilla’s “Let Her Cook.”

The phrase “let her cook” seemed to capture the spirit of the night as it echoed throughout the evening and on posters made by community members in support of Superintendent Marie Feagins.

Adding to the moment, board member Michelle McKissack stepped outside to join the group and posed for a photo with them, further fueling the energetic atmosphere.

K. Durell Cowan, founding executive director of Heal 901, a nonprofit focused on youth violence prevention, emphasized the importance of collaboration and community trust. Cowan said he is against firing Superintendent Marie Feagins.

“This is the first superintendent I’ve seen who at the beginning of the school year went door to door to see why children weren’t registered,” he said. “It’s those above-and-beyond efforts that show her commitment to the children.”

Cowan said he believes the school board’s approach has been premature and mishandled, noting both the board members and Feagins are still relatively new to their roles. He stressed better communication and collective problem-solving could resolve any issues.

He said he is a native Memphian and a product of “the legacy Memphis City Schools system.” Cowan also criticized the process leading up to the potential firing.

Among those outside the board of education building was Noel Hutchinson, a South Memphis pastor and resident.

Hutchinson opposes the firing of MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins for two reasons. First, he believes she is committed to addressing systemic issues within the district.

“She’s been in the schools, connected with the students, and is trying to turn the ship,” Hutchinson said.

Second, he criticized the school board’s handling of the attempted ousting, describing it as “personality-driven” rather than “fact-driven.”

A line of people began to form at the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education around 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Julia Hurwitz was at the front of the line holding two signs that read: We support Dr. Marie Feagins.

“Who does she work for? Does she work for five people in Memphis or does she work for us? I think she should work for us, and we think she should stay,” Hurwitz told The Daily Memphian.

Hurwitz noted Feagin’s “passion” and “intelligence” and ideas she’s brought during her short tenure.