MCC Recognizes Students and Community Leaders

Manchester, CT-( February,24, 2011)… The celebration of African American History Month at Manchester Community College in February included 2011 Leadership Awards in honor of well known African Americans in the Civil Rights movement.

High School Leadership Awards were given in honor of Ruby Bridges. On the morning of November 14, 1960, federal marshals were called in to escort Ruby Bridges to her elementary school in New Orleans representing the end of segregation in the school district. The recipients of the High School Leadership award are Junior Kayla Moses from Manchester and Senior Bajel Markland from East Hartford. Kayla Moses participates in the Great Path Academy NAMES team, works with the MCC Empty Bowls fundraising program, and teaches Sunday School to young children. Bajel Markland is an instructor in the Pathfinder Club and is planning a church mission to Peru to provide educational resources to students.

The MCC College Student Leadership Award was given in honor of Jibreel Khazan formerly known as Ezell Blair,Jr. On February 1, 1960 four college students sat down at a segregated lunch counter in the Woolworth’s in Greensboro, North Carolina, challenging the store’s policy on segregation. The MCC College Student award was awarded to Benjamin White of East Hartford. Ben White is a scholar and leader at MCC. He currently serves as vice president of the Student Government Association, co-chair of the Cultural Programs Committee and co-chair of the Student Activities Committee.

This year’s Community Leadership Award was given in honor of Shirley Chishom, who was the first black woman elected to Congress and the first major-party black candidate for the President of the United States. The Community Service Award was given to Sergeant Cleon Moses of the Manchester Police Department. Cleon Moses is an alumni of Manchester Community College, class of 1997. He is a mentor for the Manchester Youth Services Boys to Men Program, is committed to community police work and has been a volunteer for many community organizations.

Theus McBee, an 11th grader from Classical Magnet School in Hartford gave the keynote address. He is the 2011 Young People’s Oratorical Winner.

Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.