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Mrs. Annette McClure a black educated woman is retiring from the West Memphis School Districts, after serving the community for more than 28 years as an educator. Mrs. Annette McClure grew up in a time of social injustice, racial inequality, and bias discrimination. Raise by her grandparents in the 60s, Mrs. McClure remember sitting at the back of the bus as a little girl, she said “as the bus driver opened the door my grandmother hesitated. He asked twice if we were getting on the bus and if so move on to the back." In addition, she reflects on the tragic events occurring after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in Memphis, Tennesse in April of 1968. Mrs. Annette McClure states “I remember vividly waking up in the middle of the night to the flames of a burning car outside our home on Norris Rd. following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There was a bus stop at the corner of our property and some of those that were upset were trying to overturn the bus.” In spite of growing up in difficult times Mrs. Annette McClure fell in love with learning. Mrs. Annette McClure said, “Education for me was a way out of such constraints.” So, Mrs. McClure put her hands to the plow and began to pursue higher education. Mrs. McClure went forth and obtain an Associate in Education from East Arkansas Community College, a Bachelor of Art of Science in Education; as well as a Master of Science in Education for Elementary Principals and Leadership and a Master of Science in Education – Special Education, Gifted, Talented, and Creative; all from Arkansas State University. As a black educated woman, Mrs. Annette McClure have seen and experience much in her career. She has been misunderstood by those in and outside the black, brown, and minority communities. Mrs. McClure recalls being told by some in her own community that “I wasn’t black enough because I had been around whites more than blacks due to my education.” As well as being mistreated by others outside her race because she was black, McClure stated “Children were afraid because they had never had a black teacher.” Mrs. Annette McClure have been faithful and consistent for many years and “things are better now,” she has established a great relationship with the community and those she has crossed paths with. She has given back through community service such as, teaching young girls/women how to cook and can food for the winter season, feeding the senior citizens doing holidays, donating to Ronald McDonald House and much more. Also, she has impacted many former students who now are lawyers, nurses, business owners, and social workers who some affectionately called her “mom.” Mrs. Annete McClure wants to leave a legacy that she has “reach people where they were and helped them to climb higher.” She is retiring but not sitting down. Mrs. Annette McClure looks forward to volunteering some of her time to help students in the community with reading, writing, and vocabulary building. As well as enjoy her family and husband of 45 years of marriage.
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AuthorHello my name Seth Mitchell. I am a vibrant and energetic personality. I'm a native of Arkansas and now reside in Missouri. I am a Life and Culture journalist covering stories that are meaningful and entertaining to the people of color (Black and Brown communities) and minorities in Northeast Arkansas. Archives
February 2022
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Photos used under Creative Commons from Kheel Center, Cornell University Library, Pest15