 4-H Centennial Kick-off
October 11, 2007 – Pine Bluff, AR
(6 minutes: 33 seconds)
WMV (high speed video)
(6 minutes: 33 seconds)
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(6 minutes: 33 seconds)
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Audio/Video Script:
[Announcer] It was "showtime" at the 4-H Centennial Kick-Off at Pine
Bluff. Current and former 4-Hers, friends and family from around the region
gathered at the L.A. Davis Ballroom on the UAPB campus for a celebration which
included of good food, 4-H camaraderie, inspiring remarks, and rousing
entertainment. Everyone in attendance was treated to 4-H Clover cake and and
green clover punch.
Current state 4-H vice president Marianne Smith emceed the evening's program,
which began with a proclamation by Jefferson County Judge Mike Holcomb…
[Mike Holcomb] "Now, I therefore, Mike Holcomb judge of Jefferson
County of the state of Arkansas do hereby proclaim October 11th to be Arkansas
4-H Centennial Celebration Day in Jefferson County Arkansas…"
Lott Rolfe, representing the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, welcomed
the gathering to campus and then reflected on the long history shared by 4-H and
Arkansas's 1890 institution.
[Lott Rolfe] "When the 4-H program was segregated, AM&N College served
as the site for the statewide, week long 4-H activity for black 4-H members
which was called state 4-H Club Week. For over 50 years this campus hosted state
4-H Club Week until the program was integrated. So as you can see, UAPB feels a
close affinity to the Arkansas 4-H program. And, we are so pleased to be a part
of this 4-H Centennial Celebration. And so we are so very glad that you are
here, thank you.
Then it was the young peoples turn take the floor and "WOW" the crowd with
their expressions of appreciation for 4-H through music and dance.
After the applause subsided, 4-H Director Dr. Darlene Millard expressed her
vision for the future of Arkansas 4-H.
[Darlene Millard] "4-H has evolved over the years as our country has
changed, as the times has changed we've changed with it. And that's why 4-H
still exists today. And I thought, that's a great tradition and history. So
let's honor that, but let's celebrate the future. What do we have to look
forward to in the future. Technology is certainly a part of what we do, and the
kids will keep up far better than we do, but there will be new and exciting and
innovative ways to deliver our program. And my dream for the future is that
there will be enough resources for the 4-H program that there will not be a
young person that we cannot reach with this program because it does such
marvelous things."
Former Extension agent and 4-H legend Mrs. Jimmie Lee Edwards engaged the
gathering by recounting the 4-H experience from the African-American
perspective.
[Mrs. Jimmie Lee Edwards] "We had segregated clubs as all of you know
over the state. We did our little work in our counties, but we didn't know about
citizenship short course. We didn't know about going to Fayetteville for
activities. This is where we came to the other land grant institution. When we
got involved and integrated in clubs, we saw what 4-H club work was about,
because they were going on trips, they were going and competing together, they
were doing things together that our kids had not doing before that time. And
every time I see Mr. Perrett, I say, ‘Mr. Perrett you motivated me to do my
best.' What does 4-H say, to make the best better. I told my kids, ‘you got to
make the best better. You're already the best, now make it better.'
Recent Arkansas 4-H alumni followed and testified to 4-H's affect on their
lives.
[Leslie Hooker] "I must say, the greatest gift 4-H gave me during my
years of involvement was the continued exposure in public speaking. Relentless
practice over our talks and demonstrations that began at an early age, I believe
did nothing but prepare us for the future."
[Marquita Massey] "I believe my experience in 4-H helped me become a
well-rounded and open-minded individual. I had the opportunity to meet and work
with different 4-Hers from various walks of life and around the world."
[Crandall Edwards] "I wished every person that I have ever come in
contact with had had some involvement with 4-H because it would be a much better
world. "
The evening ended on a high note with the awarding of door prizes, one
prepared by each county in the district. Marianne and Dr. Millard drew names…
[Marianne Smith] "Number 5-2-1-5-7-3."
…and Lee County agent Jacqueline King delivered the gifts to the lucky
winners.
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