(COLUMBIA, Tenn. –  March 14, 2020) - - - Columbia State Community College’s Office of Access and Diversity hosted its annual Black History Month Recognition and Awards Program in February on the Columbia Campus. This year’s program recognized African American crowned queens in Columbia State’s nine-county service area, and featured guest speaker Brianna Mason, Miss Tennessee 2019.

“Representation in all fields is important, but especially in pageantry,” said Brianna Mason, Miss Tennessee 2019. “There has been such a long history of black women not being able to be included in mainstream pageantry and now we’re seeing Miss USA be a black woman, Miss America be a black woman and I’m just so proud to follow behind their footsteps and become the first black Miss Tennessee.”

Columbia State’s Office of Access and Diversity was established in 2003 focuses on helping underrepresented student populations through engagement, retention and success initiatives.

“Throughout the years Columbia State has celebrated Black History Month and this is part of that celebration,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith Columbia State president. “In addition to Black History Month, this year marks the 100^thanniversary of women’s right to vote. I think that this program is a wonderful way to tie the celebrations beautifully.”

During the program, 54 African American queens from across our nine-county service area were recognized including Elizabeth “Tina” Ray, Miss Columbia State Community College 1972, and Senino Norwood, Miss Columbia State Community College 1984. 

“Being one of the first black queens at the college in 1972 was a great honor,” Ray said. “I feel like it helped me a lot through my life and I really appreciate it.”

After graduating from Columbia State, Ray attended Tennessee State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. Ray worked as medical technologist at TriStar Centennial Medical Center for 42 years.

“Columbia State has a long history of promoting diversity,” said Dr. Christa Martin, Columbia State assistant to the president for access and diversity. “We are still working daily to provide opportunities for minority students.”

Columbia State has always had a commitment to access and diversity and fosters an environment that is inclusive and respectful for all persons of different age, culture, gender identity, color, ethnicity, religion, disability and socioeconomic status. 

“When I was going to Columbia State we all played as a team,” Norwood said. “We loved on each other. It didn’t matter, rich, poor, or what county you came from, we were all here to get an education.”

Photo Caption:Pictured (left to right): Senino Norwood, Miss Columbia State Community College 1984; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Brianna Mason, Miss Tennessee 2019; and Elizabeth “Tina” Ray, Miss Columbia State Community College 1972.


Photo Caption: Dr. Christa Martin, Columbia State assistant to the president for access and diversity, speaks at the 2020 Black History Month Recognition and Awards Program.