Barton Community College - Spoke Yearbook (Great Bend, KS)

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JACKSON VISITS BCCC Democratic presidential candidate, The Rev, Jesse Jackson, made an afternoon ap¬ pearance at Barton County Community College on December 9. Jackson spoke to the Kansas American Agriculture Move¬ ment in front of a capacity crowd in the Fine Arts Auditorium. In preparation for Jackson’s arrival. BCCC Interrobang and Spoke staffers worked close with Jeffrey Cooper, an ad¬ vance man for the Jackson campaign. First, students helped verify credentials for mem¬ bers of the media. “I always thought press people just showed up,” commented Sheryl Gaines, Interrobang editor. In addi¬ tion to checking on press credentials, jour¬ nalism students were involved as “press es¬ corts” making sure reporters, photo graphers and others remained in the desig¬ nated areas. Also, they assisted in security measures by checking people as they en¬ tered. During the speech Jackson brought to at¬ tention the fact that many people are not re¬ gistered to vote. He asked the people in the audience who were not registered to vote to raise their hands. Then he asked for these people to stand and come to the front of the auditorium. Still in the dark these people proceeded slowly to the front. Then Jackson announced, “We have a registrar in the house.” Barton County Clerk Coleen Murphy then came forward. A final count showed that Jackson converted 30 non¬ voters into registered voters. Many of these were BCCC students. “I think he raised some really good issues,” said Brian Facklan as he finished filling out his voter’s registration card. Darrel Ringer, state spokesman for the Kansas AAM said about Jackson’s visit, “Jackson covered general issues and broad views, the key to what it will take to turn the nation around. He’s on the right track; he may not have the interior done on his train, but he’s on the right track.” The purpose of the meeting was not one of endorsement but rather to open communication and dialogue on critical issues between Jackson and the Kansas AAM. Ringer commented “He’s the most dynamic speaker since Ken¬ nedy; if he comes on any stronger he could walk away with the whole show.” For many people of the agriculture movement this was a political gathering, but for many BCCC students and faculty this was an experience to remember. Jackson visited the Ben Appel farm before speaking at the College and the American Agricultural Movement meeting. The Appel farm is a short distance from the College. Jackson 17

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A large crowd gathered to hear Jackson speak. Stu¬ dents, journalists, and interested citizens from all over the state attended his press conference. A handshake is an important tool for a presidential candidate. Jackson was greeted by college and special interest groups.

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Looking over the merchandise, Ken Stephens examines some of the cloth¬ ing at Maurice’s. Brian Amador carries out groceries while working at the Dillion ' s store. Supermarkets and convenience storesoffered many opportunities for student employment. The college also offers part-time employment for many students. Here Cynthia Zeigler mows the lawn. I8Jobs