Southern University and A&M College
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Contact: Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
Bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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| Dr. Bandele |
BATON ROUGE, LA, 7/14/2011 - The Southern University Experiential Learning Garden Summer Program participants had a special guest speaker on Tuesday, July 12. The legendary Dr. Owusu Bandele, professor emeritus, SU Ag Center, gave a lecture entitled “African American Agriculturalists” in A. O. Williams Hall. All Zachary and SU garden members were invited to participate in this one-time session.
Bandele’s PowerPoint presentation covered topics related to African American agricultural inventions; music connected with agriculture such as Boll weevil song; crops and plants that originated from Africa to the Americas such as okra, water melon, millet, sorghum, and coffee; Louisiana contributions to agricultural economy such as the Chenier farm, the Muhaimin pastured poultry farm; organic farming in the south; career opportunities in agriculture; SU Ag Center involvement in community agriculture and youth development. The presentation drew a large crowd of participants and others who found it very enlightening.
The Experiential Learning Garden Summer Programs began June 1, and concludes on July 21st. The garden has two locations on the Horticultural Farm behind the SU Ag Center main building, catering to youth ages 5-18, and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 am until noon; and in Zachary on Rollins Road, behind the Men’s Club and is conducted in collaboration with the Zachary Men’s Club, meets every Monday and Wednesday 8 am until noon, catering to students in grades 8-12.
Both locations of the program are funded by the USDA/NIFA and the Department of Defense through the Military Community, Family and Youth Extension Project.
In Louisiana, the program is dubbed “MISS LOU: Connecting Kids and Community Project” because it serves families in Mississippi and Louisiana through partnerships with Mississippi State University, Alcorn State University, and Louisiana State University. The project primarily targets youth of military families, although civilian youth and adults are welcome to join on a voluntary basis. The program is free and continuously open for families and youth to register and participate.
Tiffany Franklin, parent educator and Stephanie Elwood, community gardener, SU Ag Center, are coordinating the program.
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