Inside this issue: “A MESSAGE FROM THE CENTER” SENATOR PEGGY R. WRIGHT BUMPERS SPEAKS AT DELTA 2 The Center continues efforts to review and GRASSROOTS revise our Mission within the parameters of the educational CAUCUS goals of the Department of Criminology, Sociology and CONFERENCE Geography. Our efforts persist as well as to raise external funds to support our central administrative functions. Major IMPACT OF NEW challenges remain on this front! CONGRESS ON 3 DELTA ISSUES With the recent changes in Congress interest and focus on key issues affecting us all in the Delta continues to TOURISM, CIVIL grow. In this respect, several of the Delta Studies Center’s RIGHTS AND partnerships and collaborations are bearing fruit. None, 4 DIVERSITY PANEL however, more than our endeavors in support of the Lower Delta Grassroots Caucus (hereafter, Caucus) and DISCUSSION its Director, Lee Powell. ECONOMIC Similarly, as our recent Caucus gathering in DEVELOPMENT Little Rock illustrated, at the state government level the PANEL 5 potential for support grows as well. With new governors like DISCUSSION Governor Mike Beebe there will be continued, yet new life and direction in terms of representation and involve- RODNEY SLATER ment in the Delta Regional Authority. Consequently, our SPEAKS AT DELTA region-wide efforts constitute a major focal point of this issue. GRASSROOTS 6 In this issue, our coverage demonstrates that the CAUCUS Lower Grassroots Caucus and similar LUNCHEON initiatives must aggressively voice their support for efforts in the Delta. Central themes of civic engagement in public GOVERNOR MIKE policy and citizen participation in government stand-out in the BEEBE MAIN following articles. LUNCHEON In this issue as those in the past, I commend the SPEAKER AT 7 invaluable, unseen, unsung assistance of Ms. Christine Perry GRASSROOTS in support of this newsletter and the Center’s work in general. CAUCUS As Director of the Center, I continue to believe that our work CONFERENCE will continue to generate support and, in the long run, attract SENATOR HATTIE funding in recognition of our valuable efforts on behalf of this 8 University and the Delta Region. CARAWAY DAY

I am extremely optimistic as we approach our CROSSROADS 8 upcoming legislative visit to Washington DC, May 8-10, 2007 BANQUET that change and new opportunities are forthcoming. We will WOMEN’S of course in our next issue highlight this event as well as 9 others throughout the region. SYMPOSIUM JAJUAN JOHNSON MAKES STRIDES 10 MISSISSIPPI DELTA GRASSROOTS IN ORAL HISTORY CAUCUS MEETING S-TAC AND ASU-DSC JOIN On January 18-19, 2007, over 300 people TOGETHER TO DO 10 attended the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus second ORAL HISTORY annual conference in Little Rock. This years meeting focused on these important Delta issues: New ASU-DSC Congress on Delta Regional Issues, Tourism, Civil Rights DEDICATES ORAL and Diversity, Economic Development, Education Developing HISTORY EXHIBIT a Well-Educated, Well-Trained Workforce and Poverty and TO THE LATE 11

Hunger. SENATOR JERRY BOOKOUT If you would like more information on this conference and other things discussed in this edition of the newsletter, NEWLY RELEASED 11 please send email at [email protected] call at (870) 972-2325 REPORT or 1-800-731-3020. DELTA GRASSROOTS CAUCUS CONFERENCE SENATOR BUMPERS

On Thursday, January would go on to develop the 18th, the Delta Caucus Ozark Regional Commission Conference opened it’s annual that covered parts of Arkansas,

meeting with a keynote Mississippi and . address from former Senator Through his role as . Senator he would sit on Bumpers discussed his Appropriation Committees years in both positions as where he worked to help

Senator Dale Bumpers Governor and Senator for the people with their educational Photo by: Christine Perry State of Arkansas. needs, with food, with healthcare, with housing and He commented that “in with jobs. He also developed 1970, I decided to run for the legislation for what would “But we as Americans need to Governor and I was stunned as become known as the Lower I crossed a lot of Arkansas that Mississippi River Delta realize that “ignorance, poverty, I’d never seen...Twenty-five Commission. crime, in that sequence, is so years after World War II how pervasive poverty still persisted The reality of all of this, unnecessary for a nation this in so much of this state. There according to Senator powerful and as wealthy as we are.” were shacks. I can remember Bumpers, is that you “cannot shacks on both sides of the throw a little money at a big highways from here to problem.” But we as

Memphis.“ Americans need to realize that “ignorance, poverty, crime, in He was shocked that that sequence, is so several years after WWII unnecessary for a nation this Arkansas was still facing powerful as wealthy as we significant challenges. He are.” had believed that “we were over the depression and that He closed his speech by this state was so much better reminding everyone of how than that. And I was shocked important their work is and how

we were all so poor.” inspiring it is to him to still see so many people fighting for the Mississippi Grassroots Caucus This realization speared Conference - Opening Session rights and well-being of others. Photo by: Christine Perry him into the political arena. And in the end we are all “here Bumpers wanted to give back tonight because we’re to the community what was committed to the principles that given to him when he returned we talked about here. And I’m back from the War. He wanted committed to them. And I’m to improve the lives of many not a Senator anymore so I Arkansans especially those in don’t have the kind of power I the Delta. once had but I have some. So

Bumpers would work to call me. “ do that in both his capacity as Mississippi Grassroots Caucus Governor and as Senator for Conference - Opening Session Photo by: Christine Perry the State of Arkansas. He

PagePage 2 Volume 9, Issue 1 ASU-Delta Studies Center 2 DELTA GRASSROOTS CAUCUS CONFERENCE IMPACT OF THE NEW CONGRESS ON DELTA ISSUES

Thursday night the (D-AR), Steve Patterson. Delta Caucus Conference featured a panel on the impact Mr. Patterson said that of the new Congress on Delta those in Lincoln’s office are “very hopeful that in the 2008 Regional Issues. funding cycle that we’ll be able The panel was to increase significantly funding moderated by Rex Nelson, for the DRA particularly if we’re Federal Co-Chair of the Delta able to show through your Regional Authority and testament some of the success L/R Rex Nelson, Delta Regional Authority, consisted of panelists: Doug stories that have already John Brummett, Columnist, Stephens News Bureau, Steve Patterson, Former Chief of Staff to Senator Sullivan, Senior Aide to occurred.”

Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Doug Sullivan, Senior Aide to Senator (R-MS); Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Larry Fugate, He also discussed the Editor, Pine Bluff Commercial Steve Patterson, former Chief Photo by: Christine Perry of Staff to Senator Blanche new bill that Senator Lincoln is Lincoln (D-AR); John going to reintroduce in Democratic Congress to affect Brummett, Columnist, congress that deals with any sort of change without any Stephens News Bureau; and “health insurance coverage kind of cohesion that is simply Larry Fugate, Editor of the Pine through small businesses. not going to happen. At best, Particularly in the Delta Region Bluff Commercial. we’re going to get about a small businesses make up the hundred hours worth of work Doug Sullivan spoke largest employers in Arkansas out of them and I think we’ve first. Mr. Sullivan stated that and I’m sure in some of the just got it.”

“your organization the other Delta States.” Mississippi Delta Grassroots The final speaker for the Caucus, ya’ll support economic The third panelist to night was Pine Bluff development and we’ve heard discuss this issue was John Commercial Editor John it so many times tonight and of Brummett. He stated that the Fugates. He agreed with Mr. course we know Senator way he “see things but our Brummett on what is ahead of Cochran also supports the assigned topic is how do we the Congress. Fugate said he same programs that ya’ll access the impact on the Delta felt it would be “more of the support and he…and you can and the Regional Authority of same unfortunately and I agree the new Congress. And I am expect him in this Congress to with John on that.” going to give you how I access support those programs.”

the impact negligible.” The problems that One of the most Fugate did see, however, dealt important issues facing this His reason for saying with workforce training and new congress, according to Mr. this is that while “we have a healthcare. He stated that he Sullivan, is the new farm bill. partisan change in the didn’t “see any breakthrough in Sullivan felt that this new farm Congress first of all it is by an healthcare unless something bill is “going to be really extraordinarily small margin. happens that I really don’t There’s no consensus existing important when it comes to the anticipate.” Delta.” for particular change or a new

direction.” But overall Mr. Fugate Next to speak to the does still see “hope in the three hundred plus caucus Brummett ended his Delta. There’s hope in people. group was the former Chief of comments by suggesting that There’s hope here.” once you get “all of this Staff to Senator Lincoln together and you expect the

ASU-Delta Studies Center Volume 9, Issue 1 Page 3 DELTA GRASSROOTS CAUCUS CONFERENCE TOURISM, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND DIVERSITY

artifacts and activities that indicate it’s inception in 1991. She also and represent the stories and the discussed the importance of

people of the past and the telling the History of America.

present.” Robertson explained Shelley Ritter, Director of that we must realize that “half of the Delta Blues Museum spoke the people in America today next and explained that “according were born after 1970. Half of to the Travel Industry Association the people in America today, of America, the U.S. Travel and they have no knowledge of the L/R Ken Smith, Executive Director, Arkansas Audubon, Beverly Robertson, Executive Director, Tourism Industry is one of years of the struggle.” So National Civil Rights Museum, Fayth Hill- Washington, Executive Director, Hill Foundation, America’s largest service exports.” without the museums this “rich Shelly Ritter, Director, Delta Blues Museum, Peggy This is very important when it legacy of the struggle would be R. Wright, Director, ASU-Delta Studies Center and Lee Powell, Director, MS Delta Grassroots Caucus. comes to the development and lost forever.” This is the one of Photo by: Christine Perry economic future of the Lower the main reasons why Tourism, Civil Rights, Mississippi Delta. The Delta is full museum development and and Diversity Panel began of rich heritage to share that is heritage preservation is Friday’s session of the why we need to preserve the important to the economic Delta Grassroots Caucus Delta’s environment and cultural growth and development of the Conference. This panel was features. And that, according to Delta. Ritter, is one “of the biggest moderated by Peggy R. Wright, Last to speak on the Director of the ASU-Delta challenges of cultural heritage tourism is not destroying the very panel was Ken Smith, Biologist Studies Center. Ecologist with the Arkansas heritage that attracts the visitors in The featured speakers the first place.” Audubon and discussed the for this panel were: Shelly environmental side of tourism.

Ritter, Director, Delta Blues Mu- The next to speak on Heritage Tourism was Fayth Hill- According to Smith, seum, Fayth Hill-Washington, “several Delta communities are Executive Director, Hill Washington. Mrs. Washington is a Hoxie 21 student and Executive positioned perfectly, geographi- Foundation, Beverly Robertson, cally is to take advantage from Executive Director of the Director of the Hill Foundation. Washington shared the successful the increase in visitors in National Civil Rights Museum Ecotourism.” And one of the and Ken Smith, Executive story of the desegregation of the Hoxie School District in Hoxie, important steps for community Director of Arkansas Audubon. leaders to take advantage of Arkansas. These are the type of Wright explained that stories that make Heritage Ecotourism is to raise “nationally as in the Delta it Tourism a viable economic engine awareness...take stock of the quickly became clear that the for the Delta. natural and cultural resources domestic tourism industry is within your vicinity and most one of the largest economic The third speaker for this importantly to work together sectors in the nation.” She panel was Beverly Robertson who with neighboring areas because used Erby Chambers definition is the Director of the National Civil we are all in this together. of cultural tourism as found in Rights Museum located in Memphis, . his 1997 book, Tourism and

Culture an Applied Perspective, Robertson shared informa- which defines “cultural heritage tion about the National Civil Rights tourism as traveling to Museum and the makeup of the experience the places, the visitors that have been there since

Page 4 Volume 9, Issue 1 ASU-Delta Studies Center DELTA GRASSROOTS CAUCUS CONFERENCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Friday’s Delta Grass- Development is not possible, roots Caucus Economic according to Dr. Divers-White, Development Panel was unless you have some other moderated by Rex Nelson, forces working together and Federal Co-Chair of the Delta one is community develop-

Regional Authority. ment.” And they include housing, education “and we are The speakers for this talking about early childhood panel were: Dr. Beverly Divers education. Not only what goes White, Foundation for the Mid on in public schools but also L/R Gloria Dickerson, Kellogg Foundation, Clifton South, Clifton Avant, Entergy community based groups” and Avant, Entergy Corp, Dr. Beverly Divers-White, Corporation and Gloria Foundation for the Mid South and Rex Nelson, health. Delta Regional Authority. Dickerson, Kellogg Foundation. Photo by: Christine Perry Clifton Avant spoke next

on Economic Development of The Kellogg Founda- Rex Nelson began the the Delta through private sector tions new CEO gave all panel discussion with a few of funds through the Entergy Program Directors a new the trends that face the Corporation. Avant explained mandate, according to Economic Development of the that “Entergy was one of the Dickerson, and that is “to set Lower Mississippi Delta and first companies that actually our goals honestly, realistically they were: supported the new marketing and ambitiously.” • increasing and positive initiative that was designed to Some of the goals and trend of Biofuels; help the Delta move forward.” strategies for the Kellogg • the possibility of a growing Foundation Mid South Delta auto corridor in the Delta Some of the investments Initiative (MSDI) are: and programs the Entergy Region; • asset development; Corporation has been involved • and the development of the with are: • affordable housing; natural gas found in • youth development; Northwest Arkansas that • New Market Initiative; goes all the way down to • rebuilding efforts in Louisi- • and career and workforce training. Helena, Arkansas. ana;

• small business partnerships; First to speak during this The basis for the MSDI • and community empower- panel was Dr. Beverly Divers is a lot “about thinking together, ment zones. collaborating, connecting trying White with the Foundation for the Mid South. Dr. White These programs, according to to uncover the puzzle affects of discussed the four areas her Avant, bring a sense of why things are the way they are organization is focusing on regionalism to the Delta and and then trying to define when it comes to Economic “regionalism is very important strategies to address those Development within the Delta you have to have that in order things and to go where we’ve Region and they are: for us to grow and move never been before in terms of addressing the things that we • health; forward as that.” know, to address in order to • wealth development; The final speaker for the make changes in the region • Communities of Opportunity Economic Development Panel and not be afraid to go to those Initiative; was Gloria Dickerson with the places that people don’t like to talk about.” • and Agribusiness. Kellogg Foundation.

“Now all of this Economic

ASU-Delta Studies Center Volume 9, Issue 1 Page 5 DELTA GRASSROOTS CAUCUS CONFERENCE HONORABLE RODNEY SLATER

Luncheon speaker for the that we love that allows us to take Delta Grassroots Caucus care of our families. That affords Conference held in Little Rock on us to live in a community where January 19th in the Great Hall of our children can be educated and the William Jefferson Clinton can also come forth to realize Presidential Center was the there dreams. That’s what this Honorable Rodney Slater, former Delta Region is all about. And our Secretary of Transportation under dream is as Dr. King once said the Clinton Administration. about his dream one that is deeply Honorable Rodney Slater, Former Transportation Secretary - Clinton Administration routed in the American Dream.” Photo by: Christine Perry Slater discussed his new position with the United Way of Slater briefly discussed America board and its recent visit tourism saying that it is important to the Clinton School. The board that when we bring people to our of directors with United Way met state that we give “them an “”We all just want an opportunity with many of the students who opportunity to see the soul of are a part of the Clinton School Arkansas and to touch the best of to have a job that we love that and the focus of the visit was the what Arkansas is all about. And allows us to take care of our Delta. that is what we have an opportunity to do and when it families. ” Through the series of comes to the entire Delta region meetings it became clear to the and when we do that we will get board and made them realize the the kind of support that we so “many wonderful opportunity for desperately need.” United Way to work in partnership with our local affiliates across the His speech ended with the region and across the country to three things that are a part of the work with all of you to build the United Way of America’s public kind of Delta we want to see in policy agenda that is being the future.” presented to the new Congress and they included “Increasing the Slater also explained this income by assessing tools and visit gave the board significant strategies design to help insight about programs they individuals and families make the L/R Honorable Rodney Slater, James “Skip” should consider when putting Rutherford, Dean, William J. Clinton School of most of their money whatever that Public Service and Governor Mike Beebe together a public policy agenda amount is, using the tax credits Photo by: Christine Perry for the new congress. The new that exist that many people don’t public policy agenda will be put even know about the earned together “with the kind of foresight income tax credit that most people and insight that is most important don’t know about to bring and that is to offer something that additional dollars into the home; will have appeal to all individuals and public and employer benefits whether they wear a democratic of credit repair…these kinds of hat or a republican hat.” things we want our United Way to

be involved in like debt reduction Because at the end of the and helping people again make day as Slater stressed “we all just Mississippi Grassroots Caucus their dollars go farther.” Conference - Luncheon want an opportunity to have a job Photo by: Christine Perry

Page 6 Volume 9, Issue 1 ASU-Delta Studies Center DELTA GRASSROOTS CAUCUS CONFERENCE GOVERNOR MIKE BEEBE

The main speaker for the bring about long term sustainable Delta Grassroots Caucus change. This, according to Luncheon was newly elected Beebe, can help the Delta to

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. become “an area of the country that has a competitive advantage Governor Beebe spoke over other areas because we are before several hundred people at being friendly to our customer in the luncheon where he shared his that instance. Our customer vision for Arkansas and the Delta. being that economic engine we He reminded the audience that Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe are trying to attract to build a Photo by: Christine Perry education is the key that will open quality of life for all our people.” the doors to a better future not only for Arkansas but for the Delta And when it comes to “If we can do this together….we as a whole. This education, economic development many of however, should not just be the traditional methods are fastly can begin and we can build that limited to K-12 but needs to be changing to new ideas such as foundation so that our children focused “on preschool to the end alternative fuels and according to of life and everything in between.” Governor Beebe, Arkansas as and our grandchildren can live in well as the entire Delta region is a part of this country and a part of Giving tremendous poised to compete in the market emphasis to quality preschool with alternative fuels. He told the this State rich with heritage and programs that can prepare audience to imagine “the Delta rich with tradition.” children for their life long and South Arkansas becoming educational needs. Governor the silicon valley of alternative Beebe believes that by providing fuels by having the kind of “a quality preschool certified investment and job opportunity available for all our youngster and new markets for all of our particularly the at risk kids who people to be able to make otherwise would start so far renewable sources of energy, behind many of them would never removing our dependence on catch up. And not only does it foreign oil. Environmentally help those children it helps the friendly fuels that allow our ones who don’t need the people to have economic preschool because all our kids prosperity.” can move at a faster pace and at Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe visiting with Mississippi Delta Grassroots Attendees a faster rate.” In the end, Beebe said “If Photo by: Christine Perry we can do this together….we may But the Governor didn't not get it done tomorrow. We stop there he also mentioned may not see it done in the next higher education and how all year. But we can begin and we forms of higher education are be- can build that foundation so that coming a vital importance to the our children and our grandchil- economic engine of not only the dren can live in a part of this Delta but the whole state. Univer- country and a part of this State sities and Community Colleges rich with heritage and rich with are not only educating the next tradition.” generation but they are beginning Lee Powell, Director of the Mississippi Delta partner with local communities to Grassroots Caucus Photo by: Christine Perry

ASU-Delta Studies Center Volume 9, Issue 1 Page 7 SENATOR HATTIE CARAWAY DAY

Senator Hattie Caraway • Southern Women and Politics: Day was held on the Arkansas In Theory and History; State University campus on Octo- • Gender and the Challenges of ber 23-24, 2006. Sponsors of this Public Service in the Modern years program are the College of Rural South; Humanities and Social Sciences in • and Southern women and conjunction with the faculty of the Documentary: Voices for Women and Gender Studies Minor Social Justice. and Phi Alpha Theta History

Mayor Doug Foreman of Jonesboro. Honors Society. Photo by: Christine Perry Several female professors participated in the program across The event celebrates the many different academic life of Hattie Caraway of disciplines: Political Science, Jonesboro, Arkansas who in 1932 History, English & Philosophy and became the first women to be Agriculture. elected to the Senate. She served as an For more information on Arkansas Senator for thirteen upcoming events of this nature, years leaving the Senate in 1945. please contact: The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at The theme for this years (870) 972-3973 or visit their L/R Dr. Fiona Miller, ASU Dept. of Political Hattie Caraway event was Science, Dr. Jeanine Weekes Schroer, ASU Dept. website at: of English & Philosophy, Dr. Cherisse Jones- “Southern Women: Political Branch, ASU Dept. of History, Tiffany Frazier, ASU Student Government Association President Actions/Public Services” and http://www.chss.astate.edu/ and Dr. Betty Koed, U.S. Senate Historian featured several panel discussions Photo by: Christine Perry that included:

CROSSROADS COALITION BANQUET

seeking to enhance economic, • Pat Audirsch of Marianna; community, educational and • Buddy Billingsley and Steve leadership development in the Edwards. following ten counties in Eastern Arkansas: Crittenden, Cross, Also highlighted on the program Jackson, Lee, Mississippi, Mon- was a tribute to one of the roe, Phillips, Poinsett, St. Francis Crossroads Coalition visionaries,

and Woodruff. the late Mr. Bill Thomas of Wynne.

The banquet, held at the For more information on Photo by: Peggy R. Wright Technology Center for the Delta, the Banquet or other upcoming ASU-Delta Studies Wynne, Arkansas, focused on events associated with the Center, Director attended the economic development in the ten Crossroads Coalition, please second annual Crossroads county area region with speakers check out their website at:

Coalition banquet held including: http://uaedi.cast.uark.edu/five_core/ November 2006. • Dr. John Alderson, East Regional_Partnerships/Crossroads/ Crossroads_Coalition.htm The Crossroads Arkansas Community College; Coalition is made up of • Dr. Coy Grace, President of partnering organization and East Arkansas Community individuals who are actively College;

Page 8 Volume 9, Issue 1 ASU-Delta Studies Center ARKANSAS WOMEN’S HISTORY INSTITUTE ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM HELD

“History is being distorted. was contacted and told not to give Many women especially African- them any loans to run their farm, American Women in the barn/shed set on fire and they movement never get credit" were even had a cross burned in their the words echoed by Dr. Joanna yard. These events never deterred Edwards of Pine Bluff recently. the family because they felt some- The occasion was the Arkansas one needed to stand for what was Women’s History Institute Annual right and they were willing and

Symposium held on Saturday, ready. March 3, 2007 at the Old State Dr. Edwards told the group Mrs. Charlene Sykes and her daughters Sherrye House Museum, Little Rock, Sykes Blakely and Shirley Sykes Ingram. Arkansas. that the movement would not have Courtesy of: Peggy R. Wright been necessary if Reconstruction The symposium titled, had lasted another 30 years. She school in 1964 along with Sitting Down for What’s Right: The also stated that more documenta- William Ingram. Struggle for Women’s Equality and tion and research is needed to look Civil Rights in Arkansas hosted a at the Pine Bluff, Greenwood, MS, They both related how panel of dynamic and powerful Phillips, Lee, and St. Francis they really found out how really women from across the state with County connection in the civil bad hatred was when they a story to tell. rights movement and that is what entered the Forrest City she plans to work on in the Schools. They were hit, spit on The panelists were: future. and forced to endure many Sherrye Blakely, one of the first unimaginable insults. For student to integrate Forrest City Mrs. Sykes who made it a Sherrye it was very emotional as Schools and a civil rights activist, point for all six of her children to she related that once she left Dr. Joanna Edwards, Student Civil attend predominantly white schools never wanting to return but has rights activist in the 60s, in Forrest City under “Freedom of since gone back to a couple of Legal Defense Fund worker and Choice” began by informing those high school reunions. UAPB Professor, Shirley Ingram, present that the identity of all black one of the first student to integrate schools needs to be a part of In concluding their Forrest City Schools and a civil history. She said that we are still remarks, they both said that it rights activist; Mrs. Gertrude fighting the struggle with “racism”, was important for those present Jackson, Civil Rights Leader from it is not dead, it is still alive and to understand that the founda- Marvell, Arkansas, and Mrs. doing well. She applauded her tion was laid for them before Charlene D. Sykes, Civil Rights daughters for obeying her wishes they left Lincoln High School leader and 1st black at the Dept. of and going to Forrest City High and and attended Forrest City Public Welfare (now Dept. of reinforced how proud she was of schools especially by their Human Services, Forrest City, them and of all her children for the teachers and more importantly, Arkansas and the mother of sacrifices they made during this their mother who was also a Sherrye Blakely and Shirley period in their education. teacher in the public school Ingram. system at that time.

Next to give powerful and Mrs. Jackson began by heart rendering recollections of These are the stories talking about the Turner School their days as members of the first that we at the Delta Studies Boycott that occurred because of group of students from Lincoln Center continue to try and unsanitary conditions at the High School (all-black) to capture because they are a part Freedom School at Turner and the integrate all-white Forrest City of the rich history of the Delta Tate School integration. She and schools were Sherrye Sykes region and are the stories that her husband faced many Blakely and Shirley Sykes need to be documented and repercussions because of their Ingram. Sherrye began in the preserved. This is a involvement in the Civil Rights schools in 1965 and was a 1969 continuation of our mission. movement such as electrical wires graduate of Forrest City High shot at and destroyed thus no School, while Shirley began power in their community; banks attending the previously all-white

ASU-Delta Studies Center Volume 9, Issue 1 Page 9 JAJUAN JOHNSON MAKES STRIDES IN ORAL HISTORY

1973, explores the recording, Johnson recently transcribing, and preserving of helped to coordinate an conversations with people who intergenerational oral history have participated in important project with Carver Magnet political, cultural, and economic School in Little Rock, social developments in modern Arkansas. Nearly 200 students time conducted interviews with parents and grandparents and This writing was a wrote short narratives. The compilation of oral history Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, Center, and the UAMS Carver Magnet School Students and Jajuan Johnson interviews conducted for the Photo courtesy of Jajuan Johnson Clinton State Government Donald Reynolds Institute on project at the Central Arkansas Aging partnered on this effort Jajuan Johnson was Library System. "These to engage youth to learn recently invited by the Oral interviews consist of various history in a new way. History Review to publish his stories and political essay on "We Knew Bill observations relating to Johnson said, "These Clinton." Johnson presented Arkansas government during students learn they are also this essay at the 2006 Oral the Clinton years told by those active participants in history. I History Association Conference who knew him best." The urge students to understand in Little Rock, Arkansas. essay discusses the political high profile people are not the career of former Governor Bill only contributors to American The Oral History Review, Clinton, policy issues as well history. I think this motivates the official publication of the as intimate moments with staff students to be active observers Oral History Association since and friends. of their society.

STRONG-TURNER ALUMNI CHAPTER AND DELTA STUDIES CENTER ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

The Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter of the • Jajuan Johnson: (501) 918-3089 ASU Alumni Association has received a $4,000 [email protected]; grant from the AR Black History Advisory Committee to work in conjunction with the Delta Studies Center • Angela Barber Austin: (501) 562-0382 on its 1st Oral History Project to document the [email protected]; history of the African-American presence and experience at ASU. • Dr. Pat Walls at (870)972-3297 The grant was written by Jajuan Johnson, [email protected]; ASU 2002 Graduate in Radio/TV Production, S-TAC Member, former student intern and Oral History Interviewer at the Delta Studies Center and now • or Peggy R. Wright at (870) 972-2325 Oral History Coordinator at the Butler Center in Little [email protected].

Rock.

A list of interviewees is being developed and for more information or to participate, you may contact:

Page 10 Volume 9, Issue 1 ASU-Delta Studies Center ORAL HISTORY EXHIBIT DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE SENATOR JERRY BOOKOUT

The ASU-Delta Studies for Arkansas State University Center hosted a reception for the and the Delta through is years “Arkansas Delta Agriculture and of service to the State of

Community in Transition, 1920- Arkansas. 1980: An Oral History Exhibit” dedicated to the memory of the Senator Jerry Bookout, late Senator Jerry Bookout on according to his son, had a

Sunday, April 1, 2007. great passion for education and felt that education was the L/R Back: Senator Paul Bookout, P.J. Bookout, L/R Front: Loretta Bookout, Mrs. Paul Bookout, A brief program celebrated key that would lift the Delta Rachel Rogers, Peggy R. Wright, Mrs. J.W. and honored the late Senator Jerry “and therefore having this Bookout, Jill Rogers and Bryan Rogers. Photo by: Christine Perry Bookout and his family for the exhibit here in conjunction with years of service they have given to ASU and trying to stress that Arkansas and the Delta. And issue would have been very “you shared him with all of us according to the Delta Studies important to dad and is a very and at some point we all met him Center Director, Peggy R. Wright, great honor. I think in a way “it is fitting that today we dedicate maybe in our family we will be and were encouraged by his this event because you shared him able to carry on a tradition of positive outlook and how he was with all of us and at some point we trying to be a strong believer in all met him and were encouraged the university and in particular always trying to help make a by his positive outlook and how he the folks in the Delta who we difference in the delta…” was always trying to help make a love and we are brother and difference in the Delta and in this sisters and we are all in this

country.” thing together.”

The Center presented to The short program the family a copy of Senator ended with a brief welcome Bookout’s transcript as well as a from Chancellor Potts and framed picture of him and a quote Dean B. Ellis Library

selected from the interview. representative Jeff Bailey.

After the presentation Jerry For more information on Bookout’s son, Senator Paul this exhibit, please contact the Bookout, spoke on behalf of the ASU-Delta Studies Center at family. He expressed the families (870) 972-2325 or 1-800-731- L/R: ASU Chancellor Dr. Potts, Senator Paul appreciation for this fitting tribute to 3020 or email us at Bookout, and Loretta Bookout Photo by: Christine Perry a man who worked passionately [email protected]

NEWLY RELEASED REPORT

YOUNG, EDUCATED AND SOUTHERN? YOU MUST BE MOVING According to the latest figures on geographic mobility from the U.S. Census Bureau, 11.3 of the South’s population (five years old and above) moved out of state or abroad between 2000 and 2005, compared with 10 percent for the nation as a whole. Movers included 17 percent of the South’s 20 to 24-year-olds, 21 percent of its 25 to 29-year-olds and 17 percent of its 30 to 34-year-olds. Those with higher levels of education were more likely to move out of state than others. Detailed figures are available at http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/migrate/cps2005-5yr.html

ASU-Delta Studies Center Volume 9, Issue 1 Page 11 We’re on the web http://www.clt.astate.edu/dsc

UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

SOUTHERN BIOPRODUCTS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi * April 16-18th The theme of "Success Stories in a Growing Industry," the conference will focus on the South's strengths and how the region can harness those strengths for development. You can learn more about the conference at the following website: http://ms-biomass.org/conference/2007/index.htm

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY ANNUAL CONFERENCE Tunica, Mississippi * April 18-20th “Why the Delta Matters” is the theme of the Delta Regional Authority’s 2007 annual conference, and the key issues that will be focused on at the conference are education and health. There is no registration fee for the conference, but those planning to attend are asked to register in advance by going to http://www.dra.gov

MISSISSIPPI DELTA GRASSROOTS CAUCUS WASHINGTON D.C. INIATIVE Washington D.C. * May 8-10, 2007 Key issues that will be focused on during this years Washington D.C. Initiative are: I-69 Corridor, the Delta Development Highway System plan and other transportation issues, support for the Delta Regional Authority, health care, education, the farm bill, rural housing and development, small business and entrepreneurial issues, job creation, and other vital issues for the region. For more information, please go to the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus website at http://www.clt.astate.edu/dsc/MSDeltaGrassrootsCaucus.htm

NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS CONFERENCE Baltimore, Maryland * May 20-23, 2007 Share ideas with hundreds of byway supporters and professionals during four nonstop days of exciting networking and learning opportunities. Explore the latest strategies and best practices in: fundraising, organizational development, corridor management, visitor experience, and marketing. For more information, visit their website at http://www.bywaysonline.org/