Young and younger minds combine to grow research and success. The Cultural Anthropology class at Grambling State University, taught by Dr. Frances Staten combined with BEAPERS to complete a service research project.
I felt this was a good group of young people to put together to help encourage them both,” said Staten.
Both groups benefited from their work together.
“I have worked with Dr. Staten for 3 years. We went to the grave yard to find Pre-centenarians/centenarians and super centenarians, and children who did not live to adulthood.
“We located one centenarians and two centenarians. We will do further research beyond the cemetery on individuals like Janie Scott 106 years old; Minnie King Sims ( 91 years Old), and Mattie Conley ( 90 years old).
“Our first research project will be a personal interview with family members of Jennie Smith who died at the age of eight,” said Milashia Standley.
Russell Robin said, “Students of the anthropology class paired with the BEAPERS in order to mentor and help with the project.
“Along with beautification of the grave side students recognized and honored veterans of the various wars by planting flowers and placing united states flags.
“It was important to teach young citizens to take part in the community by doing selfless acts and also show respect tot he ones who gave their lives so we could each have freedom.”
“There was a grave site in the far back of the cemetery that caught my attention, maybe because it was lonely looking or because it was lonely looking or because she had a picture on her tombstone.
“Jennie Faye smith was an eight year old girl and seeing a child at such a young age made me think of my own eight year old brother.
“It was during this time that death really hit me. I realize that it is no difference to our lives then theirs.
“This realization make me want to learn more about her and interviews her living relatives.
“The class going to the cemetery was an example of field work and the data that was collect are known as fieldnotes,” said Ashley Smith.