February is Black History Month: Carroll Community College Displays Earn High Marks

By Timothy Cox

For Westminster/Baltimore Patch

As a frequent visitor and patron of the Carroll Community College Library system, I would personally like to offer kudos to the school’s library officials and librarians alike for their recent and current Black History Month displays.

According to the library’s director Robert Krzanowski and Emily Hampton, assistant director and Head of Public Services, celebrating Black History Month each February is an opportunity to highlight the contributions and experiences of Black Americans throughout history and within the CCC Library collection. Our theme this year, chosen by Library Services Specialist Erin Cool, is “Black Justice, Black Success,” which gives equal importance to the remarkable achievements of Black Americans along with the continued injustices they have experienced in the long fight toward racial equality. Displays are a team effort; librarians like Megan Pitz compile a list of books and staff on our Circulation team, like Vee Sharp and Josh Tindale, retrieve and arrange the books that bring the display to life.

The Carroll Community College Library displays are a fresh and diverse statement that should be experienced by as many Carroll County residents and visitors as possible – particularly those who may find themselves visiting the Westminster, Maryland area.

Black history is Maryland history – from Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman to the Black neighborhoods, artists, and leaders who continue to influence the state today, the Maryland section of our display highlights notable figures from our home state. Thanks to Library Services Specialist Olivia Ridgely, there’s even an interactive component to this display – stop by the library this month to complete the Maryland Black History Month puzzle with clues from the bulletin board, and earn a sticker for your laptop or water bottle!

Carroll Community College, located in Westminster, MD, is a top-ranked, accredited institution offering associate degrees, transfer programs, and career training. Situated on a picturesque 80-acre campus, it provides diverse academic programs, including cybersecurity, nursing and skilled trades, along with personal enrichment classes - primarily for more mature and seasoned students. The college is known for its modern facilities and as a popular choice for starting a Bachelor's degree.

Key Information about Carroll Community College:

• Location: 1601 Washington Rd, Westminster, MD 21157.

• 410-386-8000 / 1-888-221-9748

• Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
• Academics: Offers associate degrees, certificates, and job training in areas such as Nursing & Allied Health, Business, Criminal Justice, and Cybersecurity.
• Campus & Facilities: Features modern amenities, including a library, a Fine and Performing Arts center, and a Nursing and Allied Health building.
• Athletics: Home to the Lynx, with various intercollegiate sports.
• Target Audience: Serves local residents, offering flexible learning options, including online classes.

(About the Author: Timothy Cox currently resides in Westminster. He’s a Journalism School graduate of Point Park University in Pittsburgh, a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Jazz Journalists Association. CCC library staffers contributed to this article. Mr. Cox can be reached at teacawks2@gmail.com).