HUD Nashville and Social Security Administration,
Hearings and Appeals Staff
Promote "Successful Blacks in Education"
during Black History Month

Three programs highlighting exceptional successes by blacks in education were coordinated during February by the HUD-Nashville Field Office and their office neighbors, SSA, Hearings and Appeals Office. This year marks the fourth year of this co-agency effort.

"We make these meetings interesting for Staff at both agencies by having black history trivia quizzes, entertainment and food," said Dr. Edward L. Pringle, Nashville Office Director. Attendees also receive ample entertainment. Singing, instrument solos, karaoke to black hymns, duets, and a "soul food" luncheon contributed to the successful presentations. Nashville always has had a rich tradition of black history, especially when it comes to music, singing and religious hymns. This year was no different. Not only did SSA and HUD employees sing and play their best tunes, students from Fisk and Tennessee State Universities entertained.

Nashville Attorney and history advocate, Terry Clayton spoke on the real significance and meaning of Brown vs. Board of Education after the audience sang the black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing".

SSA's Brenda Corder led the singing. Nashville HUD's Bill Dirl and SSA's Deatra Adams moderated and conducted a black history quiz during each event.

"People at both agencies look forward to this event every year here in Nashville because it gives everyone a chance to appreciate cultures," said Tyrone Collins, Nashville Union President. Tyrone coordinated and introduced TSU Professor and Historian, Jerome O. Logan during the second program.

Professor Logan discussed the contributions of blacks in ancient Egypt throughout Biblical history up to the present, and their importance to today's educational cornerstones. "Many do not know who engaged humanity and how important our first teachers were to the educational framework and systems we have today throughout the world," repeated Mr. Logan.

Thespian and Fisk University Student President Ernest Gipson provided a rendition of a famous literalist after Michael Harris played a jazz solo on his sax.

Nashville CPD's Clinton Johnson provided a sax solo during the first program. "We're very lucky to have this caliber of employees," said Dr. Pringle.

SSA, Hearings and Appeals Judge, Ronald Miller repeated his Office's support of the continuing effort between HUD and SSA.

After the final presentation, employees from both agencies contributed to a wonderful lunch consisting of every traditional southern dish and style of cooking one could imagine. "They had to put up two tables just for the desserts," said HUD employee Terry Livingston.

"Wow, what a meal!" Every year the two offices do something different and provide valuable information everyone in Nashville needs to know. "We're just lucky we can do it and that people here want to have this," said SSA's Paulina Jones.