New Kentucky African American Encyclopedia presented to area libraries by GCU and CU

By Linda Waggener, GCU Board Member

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CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (12/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Greater Campbellsville United (GCU), the organization serving Adair, Green and Taylor counties dedicated to equality and opportunity, presented copies of the new Kentucky African American Encyclopedia to the libraries in each county. The new resource, released this year by University Press, includes the stories of hundreds of African American Kentuckians with the unique and important contributions of each.

Wanda Washington, Executive Director of GCU, said she is pleased to have been able to present the comprehensive book to all the libraries in the tri-county area as part of the GCU partnership with Campbellsville University's Dialogue on Race.

The new book is now available at each of the following: Campbellsville University Library, Lindsey Wilson College Library, Taylor County Public Library, Campbellsville High School Library, Taylor County High School Library, Green County High School Library, Green County Public Library, Adair County High School Library and the Adair County Public Library.

Dr. John Chowning, CU vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, said, "the Dialogue on Race is an intentional process that involves community and campus leaders in a conversation on issues of race, ethnicity, economic status and language that have historically separated us."

Dialogue on Race began in 1999 in Taylor County and has expanded its service to Green and Adair.

Dr. Gerald Smith, distinguished professor at the University of Kentucky and recent recipient of Campbellsville University's Racial Reconciliation Award, served as an editor of the publication and worked with numerous other writers in compiling and collecting the essays in the book.

GCU believes this is a resource that will benefit the offerings by each of the libraries of our region and will provide a valuable source of historical information in the future.

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CUTLINES for attached photos:

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Green County Public Library Director Shelley Pruitt received the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia from Carolyn Compton, GCU Board Member. (photo from Carolyn Compton)

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Green County High School received the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia from Carolyn Compton, GCU Board Member. From left are: Clint Graham, Assistant Principal of Green county High School; Compton; and Carla Hoosier, GHS Librarian. (photo from GCHS)

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Taylor County library directors gathered at the public library to receive their copies of the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia. From left are: Debbie Parson, Taylor County Public Library; Tana Penn, Taylor County High School; Laura Eubank, Kentucky Christian Academy; Wanda Washington, executive director of Greater Campbellsville United; and Ivy Parker, Campbellsville University library. (photo from Wanda Washington)

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Adair Public Library staff members Jewel Kimbler and Aleina Milligan received the new Kentucky African American Encyclopedia from Wanda Washington, Executive Director of Greater Campbellsville United. (photo by Linda Waggener)

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Adair County High School librarian Jenny Myers and Betty Arnold library clerk received the new Kentucky African American Encyclopedia from Wanda Washington, Executive Director of Greater Campbellsville United. Joining them were ACHS students Stevie Keltner, Sara Dunbar, Katelyn Cowan, Hannah Absher, Austin Atcher, and Whitney Turner. (photo by Linda Waggener)

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Lindsey Wilson College librarian Phil Hannah and staff and students received the new Kentucky African American Encyclopedia from Wanda Washington, Executive Director of Greater Campbellsville United. (photo by Linda Waggener)

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Campbellsville High School received the new Kentucky African American Encyclopedia with representatives from leadership and students. Front row -- Wanda Washington, Greater Campbellsville United; Valerie Davis, CHS Media Specialist; former mayor Brenda Allen and CHS senior Sarah El-Amouri. Back Row -- Kirby Smith, CHS Principal; Rosa Garcia, CHS Senior; Jared Brewster, CHS Junior); Kendon Young, CHS Senior; Paige Dabney, CHS Senior; and Jeremiah Jackson, CHS Freshman. (photo from Valerie Davis)