NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Date: March 5, 2009
Mark Brooks, 270-901-1117, mark.brooks@kctcs.edu
Bowling Green Technical Presents the Anna Mae Clarke Story as Part of the College's Diversity Events
NEWS RELEASE - for immediate release
Contact: Mark Brooks - Bowling Green Technical College 270-901-1117
Bowling Green Technical Presents the Anna Mae Clarke Story as Part of the College's Diversity Events
Bowling Green, Ky. (March 23, 2009)- Anna Mac Clarke (1919-1944) didn't put up with second-class treatment from anybody, including the U.S. Army. By insisting on fair treatment and becoming the first black Woman's Army Corps officer to command a white unit, the young Kentucky native struck a powerful blow for racial equality in the military.
A Kentucky Chautauqua presentation set for 12:30 p.m. March 23rd at Bowling Green Technical College will bring Clarke's story to life as part of several diversity events sponsored by the College.
Born and raised in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Clarke graduated from Kentucky State College (now University) in Frankfort in 1941 with a degree in sociology and economics. She told the graduates at her commencement address, "We must not fail America, and as Americans, we must insist that America not fall us." She left for New York and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps.
Clarke reported to Ft. Des Moines, Iowa for officer training. She was the only black graduate in her class. Arriving for duty at Douglas Army Airfield in Arizona, Clarke made history by assuming command of an all white unit.
She then made national news by protesting segregated seating in the base theater. After the base commander heard her arguments, he issued an order banning segregation on the base. A month later Anna Mac Clarke died of a rupture appendix. She was only 24, but in her short life she had made a difference.
In the Kentucky Chautauqua presentation, Anna Mac Clarke is portrayed by Haley S. Bowling, who grew up in Jackson County. Bowling, who has a strong interest in research and historic reenactment, is a graduate of Union College in Barbourville, Ky. Bowling is currently studying law at the University of Kentucky.
The presentation will take place on the main campus in Building F of Bowling Green Technical College and is free and open to the public.
Bowling Green Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in more 30 subject areas at six locations in Bowling Green, Glasgow and Franklin. BGTC also provides customized, short-term training for businesses and industries in our service area, as well as adult education and literacy training. BGTC is one of 16 colleges that comprise the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. For most Kentuckians, higher education begins here. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.
Haley Bowling will portray Anna Mac Clarke -Military Pioneer in a presentation March 23rd at Bowling Green Technical College as one of the College's Diversity Events.
For most Kentuckians, higher education begins at KCTCS. Our statewide system of 16 colleges and 65 campuses provides citizens throughout the Commonwealth with a quality education that is both accessible and affordable.