Shelton State Community College Celebrates Black History Month

February 2, 2022 – Shelton State Community College (SSCC) will celebrate Black History Month with various events throughout February.

On Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Atrium, SSCC’s Collegiate 100 will present “Songs of Unity.”  The Shelton Singers will be joined by The University of Alabama’s African American Gospel Choir for an evening of song and celebration.  Admission to “Songs of Unity” is free and all are invited to attend.

On Wednesday, February 16, the College will recognize members of West Alabama’s African American community at a brief ceremony entitled, “Local Living Legends.”  The ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Martin Campus Gymnasium immediately before the tip-off of the men’s basketball game against Bevill State Community College.

The Local Living Legends ceremony will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Black History in West Alabama.  Local Living Legend honorees include Dr. Louise Crawford, Judge John England, Dr. Charles Nash, Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., Danny Steele, Eddie B. Thomas, Maxie Thomas, Sue Thompson, Fitzgerald Washington, and Yvonne Wells.  Additional honorees will be acknowledged for their impact at the College’s C.A. Fredd Campus and its designation as a HBCU.  These honorees include Chester Fredd, Jr., Louise Lewis, Jessie Mays, Ronald Range, Ronnie Ross, and Nathaniel Short.

“Hosting meaningful events during Black History Month is just a single way we remain committed to upholding and promoting our status as a HBCU,” stated Brad Newman, Shelton State’s President. “The C.A. Fredd Campus allows us this remarkable status, and we are honored to highlight the traditions and history of the HBCU distinction.”

In addition to events on campus, the College will celebrate Black History Month through participation in related activities throughout February.  Students from Collegiate 100 will compete in the 2022 Dr. Trudier Harris Intercollegiate Black History Scholars Bowl at The University of Alabama on February 5, 2022.  The five-member team, Cultivating Buccaneers, will represent Shelton State at this event designed to celebrate Black History and create healthy competition between neighboring colleges and universities.

College employees will participate in the 2022 Alabama Community College System Human Resources Management Association (ACCSHRMA) Diversity Conference on February 17. This annual professional development opportunity benefits all Alabama Community College employees by promoting diversity and inclusion in the higher education environment.

A vital member of the Alabama Community College System, Shelton State Community College is committed to creating new opportunities for West Alabama.  “With a renewed focus on meeting the needs of its customers, the College offers innovative solutions and an enhanced approach to customized education, training, and community impact,” states President Brad Newman.  “Collectively, we will be excellent in each!”

Be part of the new vision for our shared community.  Visit sheltonstate.edu to learn more or apply.