Aallyah Wright (@aallyahpatrice), May 7, 2018,
CLARKSDALE — After five years of work to build Coahoma Community College’s offsite science and health facility, the community, state and local officials, as well as educators, packed a room for the ribbon-cutting ceremony in tribute to Rena Butler. “I am humbled and grateful for this extraordinary honor.” Butler, a Clarksdale resident and retired educator, said that his heart is filled with joy. “This act will always linger in my soul.” Representatives from the community praised Butler Monday as they unveiled the Rena Butler Health and Sciences Annex, which is worth $1.3 million. It is located at 917 Ohio Street. Beverly Overton from CCC, Dean of Health Sciences, stated that the annex will be home to paramedic and polysomnography program, as well as an assimilation laboratory. Dr. Valmadge towner, president of CCC, stated that “when we really and truly made the decision to name the building after Rena Butler”, when you look at the cabinet of people within our community that are deserving from just an octave nervous or eyesight perspective, there is no one more deserving.” “If there was a list of things that would help you determine who is deserving, it would be right back to the honoree.” Butler, who worked for over 40 years in Coahoma County Schools District, was the first woman to sit on the CCC Board of Trustees. Clarksdale Mayor Chuck Espy stated that “I believe the most important thing is to give people roses whilst they are still living.” “You served on the frontlines for women’s rights sister Butler.” “We’re entering into an entirely new frontier in 2018 regarding women’s rights. We need to ensure that women stand up fully. Johnny Newson, Vice President of the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors, echoed Espy’s remarks. “Ms. “Ms. Former president of Coahoma Community College Dr. McKinley Martin addressed the audience and said that Butler is always concerned about helping those who are in need. Dr. Vivian Presley, a former president of CCC, stated that she has represented the board with professionalism, elegance, grace, and dignity. Dr. Vivian Presley, a former president of CCC, said that Butler represented the board in a professional, elegant, gracious, and dignified manner. As a bailiff for Coahoma County Circuit Court Clerk’s office, she is also secretary for the Coahoma County Democratic Party, treasurer/secretary for Zeta Psi Chapter Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and founder of Rena’s Curb Side Meals. She is also a member of the American Cancer Society, Aspire Board of North Delta Mississippi, as well as other roles. She has received other awards and recognitions for her service, including the Alpha Phi Alpha Martin Luther King super leader award, the MAE vice-president award, the COI Council Board of Director’s Award, and the COI Council Board of Director’s Award. Butler said that this historic occasion has pushed her to care for others and will not stop striving to do so. As the crowd laughed, Butler said that she felt like a champion. “I feel like a champion,” Butler said to the crowd, as the laughter continued.