FEATURE

Connors Celebrates Black History Month Virtually

Connors State College celebrated Black History Month in a virtual way. This year, due to the global pandemic, Sharriell McHenry got the opportunity to interview multiple African American leaders in the community and surrounding communities. Sharriell, herself, started the series, being interviewed by Mesa Ware, SGA President.

McHenry grew up in Boynton, Okla., where she had to learn about confidence in her heritage at a young age.

“I used to hate who I was and my skin,” said McHenry, PLC president. “I hated how my hair looked, I hated that I didn’t look like the other girls.”

As McHenry got older, her viewpoints about herself changed. McHenry took a special interest in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., admiring who he is as a leader, a non-violent activist, and his words of wisdom.

McHenry’s mother was a huge supporter of her growing up.

“She has always helped me in overcoming and believing in myself,” said McHenry. “With my mom’s support, I have grown to love myself and my skin color.”

McHenry is celebrating Black History Month personally by watching movies, documentaries, and reading speeches from activists’ pasts, along with interviewing key leaders in our communities.

“Black History can be celebrated in the simplest forms,” said McHenry. “At the end of the day, I believe that what we should be striving for is respect and having compassion for others”

McHenry’s first interview was with Logan Nero, Director of Recruitment at Connors State College.

During each interview, McHenry asks a list of questions: What’s something that makes you proud of your heritage? Who is your favorite activist and who do you think was the most influential? How do you celebrate Black history month? Do you think we have reached equal rights now? Why is it important to celebrate not only black history month but black history?

During McHenry’s interview with Ashley Logan Nero, Nero talked about how Ben Carson has been a key factor and very influential in her life. Nero spoke to how Dr. Carson is now a neuro surgeon and brought up how challenging the times were for Dr. Carson to complete the tasks at hand due to obstacles out of his control.

“Dr. Carson is still very vocal, even in today’s society,” said Nero. “He continues to contribute to our culture and heritage.”

Nero spoke about how her family plans to celebrate Black History Month.

“I have daughters and I want them to be comfortable in who they are,” said Nero. “A celebration for Black History Month is every day for us, so my girls know being different is ok and being the same as everyone is okay, too.”

Nero acknowledges and accepts that there are not equal rights across the United States in today’s society.

“As I tell my friends and family, we don’t have to stay there – we can move forward and be the best version of ourselves,” said Nero. “We are just human beings.”

Along with Nero, McHenry interviewed Alan Gordon, Warner Public Schools Principal, and plans to interview Marlon Coleman, Mayor of Muskogee, and Dr. Donnie Nero, past president of Connors State College.

McHenry said how much of an honor and how excited she was to be the one interviewing the leaders.

“I wanted to celebrate Black History Month with my college, but I didn’t know how. So, when I was presented with the idea to interview various people that hold certain titles about black history, I was ecstatic,” said McHenry. “Throughout the videos, one point remained constant: people need to recognize Black History Month and its importance.”

“People need to be educated on the collective struggle on the African American heritage, and reflect on how far we have come and how far we still need to go.” –

Above: Sharriell McHenry interviews Alan Gordon, Principal of Warner Elementary School.