Elders Speaks at Black History Month Celebration

Contributing Writer
 

  The Student Government Association presented a Black History Month Program with guest speaker Joycelyn Elders Feb. 18.

   Elders grew up in her hometown of Schaal and, as one of 17 children, defied the odds in the life of the cotton fields. In 1952, Elders graduated from Philander Smith College in Little Rock with a bachelor's degree in Biology.

   Elders joined the U.S. Army in 1953 as a physical therapist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas Medical School in 1960. She then went further and earned her master's in Biochemistry from UAMS in 1967.

   Elders gained the title of Director of the Arkansas Department of Health in 1987. Former President Bill Clinton appointed Elders as U.S. Surgeon General in 1993 where Elders became the first black woman to hold the position.

   Elders came to the campus to speak about her accomplishments and life’s lessons to the community of Monticello.

   Elders’ mother encouraged her to strive for success. She said she had a goal to make sure that all of her brothers and sisters got an opportunity to go to college and make a big difference.  

   She stressed the current issues that still loom for the country today. Elders touched on the problems with teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. She said the lack of education remains the reason why teen pregnancies and diseases still exist today.

   Elders said she believes early childhood education prevents possible problems with teen pregnancies, disease and lack of common sense. She also understands the education system remains behind the times and needs to be fixed.

   Elders stated with education there would not be so many black men in jails, but more in colleges.

   Sophomore psychology major Ronald Forte responded to Elders' speech.

    “She was excellent, right on time, she touched some issues that needed to be touched in this particular time,” Forte said.

   President of the Student Activities Board Michael Reynolds II gave positive reviews about Elders' speech.

     “I think she did an incredible job in the accomplishments she made and was able to connect with the students. Elders and others are role models for students to trace our steps in life.” Reynolds said.

   SGA President Michael Thomas also gave positive reviews for Elders.

   “The presentation was wonderful, we had the opportunity to kill three birds with one stone with the topics of black history, women’s history and health and wellness. I’m glad to be a part of this tradition bringing in speakers of this nature.” Thomas said.

   Senior political science major Eric Bell said he felt overwhelmed by Elders' speech.

   “I’m overjoyed that it went beyond my expectations. I think she shined light on many different things. She has done an excellent job.” Bell said.

    Elders praised UAM by acknowledging the black students and faculty leaders who represent the university.

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