Two parts remain in series on George Washington Carver

A four-part series on the life of Missouri native Dr. George Washington Carver will continue the month of February in honor of Black History Month.

The February series starts the Heritage Studies sponsored by the River Corridor Connections, established to highlight the lives of prominent African-AmericansCarver was born at the end of the Civil War. He studied plants and agriculture most of his life and sat on the faculty at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

Russell Grammer, a fourth grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, chose to lead the group after reading Carver's biographies in class and receiving positive feedback from students.

The third part of the Carver series will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. today at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. It is a continued discussion of Carver's life.

Plans for participants who have attended the series is a trip to the St. Louis History Museum to tour the George Washington Carver exhibit. The group will travel by van on a not-yet-determined date. The entire study, including a book on Carver and the trip to the museum, are free to all participants.

Nancy Jernigan, executive director of United Way of Southeast Missouri and a member of the nucleus of River Corridor Connections, along with Stafford Moore and Mike Bowers said the series was launched in an effort to enrich the lives of families and help them grow in their knowledge of Carver.

"We are hoping we can encourage those coming to spread the word about Carver," Jernigan said.

The series is open to those 15-years-old and up and is limited to 20 people due to the interactive approach Grammer uses to engage those in attendance. Hands-on learning activities are planned, snacks and drinks will be provided, and prizes will add to the excitement of the study.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Jernigan at the United Way of Southeast Missouri at 334-9634.

cpagano@semissourian.com

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