CSC Celebrates Black History Month
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uring the month of February, Connors State College honored Black History Month by holding two events with special guest speakers Dr. Samuel Craig and Ms. Wilma Newton. “It is important to celebrate Black History Month to highlight the various contributions that have been made in our society,” said Freeman Culver, history instructor. “Students will learn amazing facts about black history that are rarely mentioned in textbooks. The traffic signal, gas mask, electrified third rail, light bulb, gas furnace, and the famous Supersoaker water gun were invented by black Americans. Because of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History week, and countless other major players in American history, we can lift every voice and sing during the entire month of February.” The CSC/NSUM Library organized a Black History Month display, and Wilma
Newton, the Muskogee Juneteenth Historical Foundation President, spoke on the Muskogee Area African American Experience. Karen Harmon, librarian, assisted Majic Fink, library technician, with advertising and organizing the event. “Majic created displays in the CSC/ NSUM library highlighting African American groups that led the charge for civil rights change and little known facts about African American history,” said Harmon. On February 17, students heard from Dr. Samuel Craig at the Warner Campus Fine Arts Auditorium. Dr. Craig took part in the 1963 March on Washington. “In any environment, it is important to educate yourself on the past, present, and potential of ethnic groups and the individuals whose lives you happen to be a part of or come in contact with on a regular basis,” said Harmon. “It is
especially important in a college setting such as Connors State where helping students build their future, one at a time, is the mission of the school. One way to accomplish this is to discover anew, or be reminded of, accomplishments achieved by groups. Having a month to honor different groups and their accomplishments gives us a chance to learn so much and we are happy to give that opportunity to our students, faculty, and staff.”
Students Organize Gardening Program for Countryside
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onnors State College students Jacob Green, of Muldrow, Okla., and Jennifer Rose, of Gore, Okla, have helped create a gardening program for residents at Countryside nursing facility in Warner. Both Green and Rose, Aggie Club officers, donated their time and the skills they learned in the CSC horticulture program to ensure the garden’s success. Rose, who has earned an associate of science in horticulture, looked at the program as a way to put her knowledge to good use in the community. She approached Green with the idea of starting this program for the residents, to help make their stay at Countryside more fulfilling. “I felt that if the residents were to become more active and get outside, or even just out of their rooms, they might
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open up and enjoy a new hobby,” said Rose. “Jacob began the process in the Connors greenhouse, starting plants for the residents. “He went to the division chair for agriculture, Debbie Golden, and was approved to set aside some starter plants for the Countryside residents,” Rose continued. The two have started the residents on indoor plants for the winter months. As spring nears, raised beds will be installed by the local community. “The raised beds will allow residents to take part in raising and gathering fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Rose. With Rose, members of the Warner community have developed a schedule to maintain the raised beds throughout the summer months. “Up-keep is a must for the residents to
be able to enjoy their raised beds,” said Rose. Because Countryside employees will not be responsible for maintaining this project, Rose invites help from community members and Connors clubs in this endeavor. For more information, or to help with the project, contact Rose at jennifer.lynn.rose@connorsstate.edu.