(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Feb. 8, 2017) - - - Columbia State Community College will host the Annual Black History Month Recognition and Awards Program on Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ledbetter Auditorium.

Columbia State has invited African-American centenarians from the College's nine-county service area to honor at the program.

"Community engagement and support is vital to the success of Columbia State students," said Dr. Christa Martin, assistant to the president for access and diversity. "We are excited to be able to recognize the African-American centenarians during Black History Month. Their lives have allowed them to witness and even participate in major events and milestones in American history."

Martin noted that short biographies of each centenarian will be included in the program booklet. In addition, the program will include music from various local artists.

Columbia State's Office of Access and Diversity will present the annual attendance award plaques to the top three organizations, clubs and faith-based groups who support the college's programming.

The Ledbetter Auditorium is in the Frank G. Clement Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. The event is free and open to the public.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled for Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.

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