Southeast to present Kentucky Chautauqua speaker at event in Middlesboro

Southeast Kentucky Community amp; Technical College and the Department of Diversity and Inclusion will present a program in celebration of Black History Month scheduled for Friday, Feb. 24 at the Middlesboro Middle School auditorium. The cutting-edge program, set for 10 a.m. until noon, will featured Haley McCoy of the Kentucky Chautauqua Society as she portrays Anna Mac Clarke, military pioneer.

Ms. Clarke, a Kentuckian who grew up in Lawrenceburg and attended Kentucky State University, upon the outbreak of World War II, enlisted in the Womens Army Corps (WAC). She quickly made her mark becoming one of the first African-American officers and was singled out for her service by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Clarke worked tirelessly to protest segregation and discrimination in the military, eventually making history when she assumed command of an all-white unit.

In her portrayal of Anna Mac Clarke, McCoy paints a lively and perceptive picture of the life of the Kentuckian who forged military history until her untimely death at age 24 of a ruptured appendix.

The actor, McCoy, grew up in Jackson County and has a special interest in research and historic reenactments. She feels strongly that Anna Mac Clarkes compelling story needs to be more widely known. McCoy is a graduate of Union College and Lexington Theological Seminary.

The performance is free and open to the public, and for details contact Carolyn Sundy, SKCTC Cumberland, by phoning 606/589-3052