Ohio University Professor Honored at Annual Conference
Editors: A photo of Francine Childs is available for download from www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/childs_francine.jpg
Contact: George Mauzy, (740) 597-1794
ATHENS, Ohio (October 10, 2000) -- Ohio University Professor of African American Studies, Francine Childs, recently was awarded the International Black Women's Congress Oni Award at the group's 16th annual conference in Norfolk, VA. The organization recognizes black women's outstanding accomplishments in "their commitment to uplifting the lives of people of African descent."
"I am honored and elated to be selected for this award," Childs said. "Many of the previous winners are women I have looked up to, so I am truly grateful to the International Black Women's Congress for choosing me for this prestigious award."
Childs, a member of Ohio University's faculty since 1974, served as chair of the African American Studies Department from 1984 to 1989. She also is an ordained minister, serving as pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Athens. Childs was instrumental in building Ohio University's Global Voices of Faith gospel choir and is known for her assistance to students and community members in need. A proponent of the civil rights movement, Childs fasted and conducted a "prayin" service for community members in 1978 in peaceful protest to racial tensions and inequality on campus. She is the author of works focusing on education, youth and minorities.
