The Shadow
CLIFTON?FORGE — The Clifton Forge Public Library is currently featuring its Black History Month exhibit, “Celebrating Educators.”
The exhibit focuses on some of the men and women who have returned to their native home of Clifton Forge to be role models and to serve and inspire all students in the area schools. It also lists some of the educators who have roots in Clifton Forge but who left the area to have distinguished careers elsewhere.
Also included are some of the past educators who taught at the old Jefferson School during the late 1880s through 1965, and who made a positive impact on education in the black community.
“The exhibit,” retired teacher Ettrula Moore says, “celebrates and shines a spotlight on some of the past and the current black educators — teachers, coaches, counselors, administrators, etc. — in the Clifton Forge community.”
She continues, “Black educators continue to play a crucial and significant role in the life of students. They realize their jobs go beyond the classroom in encouraging their students that ‘yes they can’ be successful. Today,” she says, “they bring diversity to the classroom. Their impact and influence on every student is invaluable.”
Local historians Oteria Broady, Ione Callendar and Ettrula Moore compiled the information for the exhibit. Moore voices their shared sentiment that “thousands of ‘unsung heroes’ go unrecognized in their work that leave lifelong impressions on the students they serve.”
In summing up the display, Moore quotes author and President of The Children’s Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman, who says, “education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”
The Black History Month “Celebrating Educators” exhibit will be on display at the Clifton Forge Public Library throughout February.
The Clifton Forge Public Library is located at 535 Church Street.
For information on any library programs or activities, call 863-2519.
