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| SU Ag Center meets with Nation of Islam reps |
Baton Rouge, La - Southern
University Agricultural Research and Extension Center enjoyed hosting three
representatives from The Nation of Islam on October 4, 2012. The meeting
followed the highly anticipated appearance made by the Honorable Louis
Farrakhan in the Southern University mini dome the previous night. The team
visited the Ag Center to discuss the important role education and agriculture
plays in our future.
Nation of Islam Representatives in attendance:
Larry Muhammad, Ph.D., Dean of Muhammad University of Islam; Rashidah Muhammad,
Baton Rouge Representative, Deborah Muhammad, Southern University Student Representative.
The
purpose of the meeting was to discuss building a partnership to increase the
student enrollment in agriculture related majors. Both parties agreed there is
a lack of awareness in America about the significance of agriculture related research
and extension programs.
Dr.
Larry Muhammad stated that Muhammad University of Islam is focusing its efforts
to increase African American teenagers’ involvement in agriculture.
“We are working to help youth understand what
agriculture is and what it means” said Larry Muhammad. “They think food comes
from the grocery store. We have to change the way we activate our people.”
SU Ag
Center leadership emphasized the importance of community gardens in order to
expose urban areas to healthy food sources. Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, agriculture
specialist, explained how community garden concepts help instill “leadership
and responsibility” in the youth.
SU Ag
Center officials look forward to building a relationship with The Nation of
Islam to increase awareness about agriculture related issues.
Story
written by Charisma Deberry, charisma_deberry@suagcenter.com;
photo by Chris Rogers.
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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
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