A rose for programs that help inform and celebrate Black contributions to our nation during Black History Month. Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University in Ohio first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. Seven years later, Black History Month was being celebrated across the country in educational institutions, centers of Black culture, and community centers, both great and small, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976. Mississippi State will produce 14 separate programs on Black history during the month of February while Mississippi University for Women’s month-long celebration will feature eight. For more information visit msstate.edu and muw.edu. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities as well as visiting your library to find Black History Related materials. The story of America is not complete without understanding the historic contributions made by Black Americans. Black history is indeed American history. That’s something to celebrate.
A rose to drama students at Columbus Middle School for their outstanding showing in a state-wide competition. Twenty CMS students brought home 27 superior ratings in various competition categories last week at the Mississippi Junior Thespian Festival in Pearl. It is, by far, the drama group’s best showing in state competition. The previous high for superior ratings came last year with nine such honors. The group has several more projects to finish before the end of the year, including another competition in March where they will perform a one-act play called “Life and Death in the Hallway.” In April, they will perform “Frozen” for their spring musical. Many of the students hope to continue with theater in high school, but without a teacher to lead the CHS theater program, they’re worried this year may be the last one they spend performing. We hope the success of these students will inspire the school district to find a way to keep this program alive.
A rose to Starkville’s Rotary Classic Rodeo which will reach a milestone with this year’s event, scheduled for Feb. 9-10 at the Mississippi Horse Park. From its humble beginnings the rodeo has grown not only in attendance but in the caliber of competition it attracts. Today, the rodeo is sanctioned by both the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. Winners can accumulate points for qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo held each December in Las Vegas. Competition includes women’s breakaway roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, barrel racing and team roping. The biggest winners, however, are right here in our community. The rodeo is Starkville Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser, bringing in more than $20,000 each year. Those funds support local organizations such as the Starkville Boy Scouts of America, Starkville Strong, Habitat for Humanity and Oktibbeha Young Leaders. The rodeo is not only great entertainment, but a great way to help worthy causes in the community.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
