Coahoma Community College - Coahoman Yearbook (Clarksdale, MS)

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The Martin s the first family of Coahoma junior College was established in 1962 with the union of Dr McKinley C Martin Sr. and Mrs Willie B. Burns Martin. From the union came three lovely children - McKinley Ir. Myron Craig and Marcia Corteze. McKinley Ir an honor graduate of Coahoma Agricultural High and Coahoma Junior College is currently a third-year law student at the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall Law School Myron also an honor graduate of Coahoma Agricultural High is presently enrolled at Coahoma as a freshman T - - . Mrs. Martin is a teacher at Friars Point Elementary School in Friars Point Mississippi' - Dr. Martin the head of the family as well as this institution took office 1n january of 1980 fe 1 qi limi: Marcia, the youngest and only girl, attends Higgins Ir. High in Clarksdale. f. -'Al 5, 3 r 1 K 1 K - r 1 ,!l, all I J n 2 A ' . .' s I The President and Family Dr. Martin, Marcia, Myron, Mrs. Burns lgrandmotherl t Mrs. Martin

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'A The President speaks . . . For the record . . . Coahoma County was among the first of the counties in Mississippi to provide agricultural high schools for Negroes. In 1924, County Superintendent P. F. Williams proposed the organization of a school system which would include a number of elementary and junior high schools and one central agricultural high school. Upon adoption of the proposal by the Board of Supervisors in that year, Coahoma County Agricultural High School was established. Mr. M. L. Strange served as the first superintendent of Coahoma County Agricultural High School during the 1924-25 term. In the years which followed, four other men have headed the institution: Mr. I. H. Moseley, four years, Mr. 1. W. Addison and Mr. I. B. Wright, eight years each, and Mr. B. F. McLaurin, 21 years. The efforts to establish a junior college to serve basically a non-white clientele were enhanced by the all - around support of Mr. L. L. Bryson, who was superintendent of Coahoma County Schools during the formative years of the junior college. Mr. B. F. McLaurin headed the Coahoma County Agricultural High School from the 1945 until 1948. When the junior college program was added in 1949, he served as president of the newly founded junior college and as the superintendent of the high school until 1966. After the junior college was added, the name of the institution was changed to Coahoma junior College and Agricultural High School. The first three years of the college program were conducted by one full-time director-teacher, Mrs. Zee A. Barron, and a sufficient number of part-time teachers from the high school division. Three years later, a full-time Dean, Miss M. G. Whiteside, and the second full-time teacher, Mr. Frank Gambrell were employed. Mr. I. E. Miller headed the institution from 1966 to 1979, and Miss Whiteside served as Dean until 1973. Presently, Coahoma Junior College and Agricultural High School is under the leadership of President Dr. M. C. Martin, who deans it an honor to have the opportunity to follow the foot steps of such capable leaders as Mr. Moseby, Mr. Addison, Mr. Wright, Mr. McLaurin, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Barron, and Dean Whiteside. Aiding Dr. Martin in his leadership are three vice presidents - Dr. Vivian Presley, Mr. Charles Reid, and Mr. George Moore. Several deans head different departments. During its first year of operation Coahoma junior College was supported entirely by county funds. The next year Coahoma junior College became the first educational institution for Negroes to be included in the Mississippi System of Public junior Colleges, and Legislature for the support of public junior colleges. Counties other than Coahoma that now support the college are Bolivar, Quitman, and Sunflower. Since 1965, the institution has been open to all students without regard to race, color, or national origin. Past achievements will always be a part of us, however, we must look beyond our present to the future. The 20th century has been one of marvelous and awesome accomplishment. However wondrous the achievements thus far, our challenge is to look to the future and the possibilities it may hold - not only for the balance of this century but also for the 21st century that is just a short distance down the road. Moving into the 21st century makes a catchy phrase. But will you be prepared for this new age? Catchy phrases mean little without dynamic, progressive action to back them up. The first airplane, in the early days of this century. Education can pave the way for you to take your place in the world of tomorrow and to be a part of the progress that is coming faster and faster. Whether our students go on to further university work, or whether they choose to take advantage of our many career training opportunities, their time at CIC, if spent wisely, can serve as a gateway to new knowledge and broader horizons. Those who only sit and wait for the future may find, to their sorrow, that it has passed them by. Those who take the initiative and prepare themselves to go out and greet the future will be better positioned to meet its challenges and to take advantage of its opportunities. The record shows that Coahoma junior College and Agricultural High School students excel in all components of the school's program and in all walks of life -- athletics, science, law, medicine, education, military, etc. This years Annual amplifies the record as we make it. Our Annual staff and sponsor are to be commended for setting the record straight. McKinley C. Martin JJJJ

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