Minister Speaks Out for Minorities

CLARKSDALE – When the Association of Community College Trustees met recently in San Francisco, a Mississippian was elected to its 2009 Diversity Committee as a strong voice speaking out for underserved communities and students in Clarksdale, the Delta, and Coahoma Community College.

Energized over his campaign and election, the Rev. Dennis Hawkins says he is committed to serving students in Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) especially during “today’s economic crunch.”

“I am passionate about education; education is still the key (to success), says Hawkins who serves on Coahoma’s Board of Trustees.

“Student populations have changed; people are going back to school for training and retraining,” he says.

He believes technical education is important.

“Community colleges are playing a major role preparing individuals for non-academic careers and careers also in hotel and restaurant management, nursing, and gaming,” he continued.

“I am a part of Coahoma and a product of the region I represent ,”says Hawkins who grew up in Dublin where he says young minorities once aspired to become tractor drivers.

With a mind set on college today, they can become doctors and lawyers,” he continues.

“Children today have a lot of problems,” he says. “Lack of finances is another problem that leads to tension and anger; students with nothing to do will create something to do.”

The role of ACCT’s Diversity Committee is to ensure leadership for the involvement of historically underrepresented diverse populations.

It promotes respect for and acceptance of diverse individuals and promotes awareness and educational opportunity for underrepresented populations.

Hawkins is a member of ACCT’s Southern Region representing Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, and Mississippi.

Other regions include the Northern, Pacific, Western and Central Regions.

He is pastor of Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Shelby and a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Clarksdale.