BEREA — Henry Allen Laine dedicated his life to education and the fight for equal rights for African Americans.
On Thursday, during the 10th Annual Founder’s Day Convocation at Berea College, Laine was honored with the John G. Fee Award, given posthumously to alumni from 1866-1904 who displayed distinguished service to their community, especially in education.
“He was a man who grew up in Madison County and dedicated his whole life to education in formal and informal ways,” Berea College President Larry Shinn told a packed house of mostly students at Phelps-Stokes Chapel.
“He lived his life living out the vision we share in our motto,” said Shinn, referring to the school’s motto, which states “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth.”
Laine was born in 1870 and received a teaching degree from Berea College in 1899.
He taught in Madison County for 21 years and founded the Madison Colored Teachers Association in 1910, serving as the group’s chairman for 20 years.
Laine was the first African-American county extension agent and in 1915 organized a club for the African-American farmers in Madison County.
He formed the Colored Chautauqua, an event designed to bring cultural, religious and social opportunities to the community.
In 1914, Laine published a book of poetry entitled “Footprints.”
Laine, who died in 1955, was heavily involved in fighting school segregation laws, which helped lead to his induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2003.
“When we look back to our past we can recover much that is good as we face the future,” Shinn said during the presentation of the award to a large contingent of Laine’s descendants.
Laine’s oldest living grandchild, Clara Mae Broyles, spoke for the family.
“It is with great pleasure that I accept this award on behalf of the Laine grandchildren and all descendants,” Broyles said.
The award was significant to the family, not just for Laine’s service to the community, but also for the recognition he received as a distinguished African American scholar, Broyles said.
She added that their grandfather took pride in a thirst for learning, having a strong work ethic and his faith in god, which she said are attributes Berea College strives to uphold.
The “Laine Family Singers,” comprised of family members, sang two songs to honor Laine.
Shinn pointed out that many of Laine’s descendants have followed in his footsteps and become teachers, or leaders in other fields.
“They have really been representative of Henry Allen Laine, in carrying on his tradition, but you can see from their singing that also have his heart,” Shinn told the audience. “May you have his heart as you leave today.”
Tim Mandell can be reached at tmandell@richmondregister.com or 623-1669 ext. 6696.
Local News
Berea awards early alumnus
Laine promoted education, fought for equality
- Local News
-
-
BREAKING NEWS: Grand jury indicts men in double-murder
Two men accused of killing a Richmond couple for money and then hiding their bodies in graves along Tates Creek Road were indicted Wednesday on capital charges by a Madison grand jury.
Matthew Denholm, 27, and Daniel Keene, 26, were both indicted on two counts each of murder, kidnapping and abuse of a corpse charges. They also were each indicted on tampering with physical evidence and first-degree burglary charges. -
Kentucky fallen officers honored at annual ceremony
The best part about Alexandria Police Department Officer James Sticklen’s job was being able to work with kids almost every day.
He was the school resource officer Campbell County Middle School.
“He always used to say there are no bad kids, they just make bad decisions,” said his wife, Laurie. -
Shell beats Mick by 54 votes
Republican Jonathan Shell and Democrat Bradley “Bud” Montgomery will face off in November for the 36th District state representative seat.
Shell received 810 votes in Madison County, beating Republican opponent Nathan Mick by only 54 votes. -
Woman attacked on Berea College walking track
A woman on the Berea College walking track suffered minor injuries Saturday when an unknown man struck her in the face twice, according to Berea Police Public Information Officer Jake Reed.
-
Obama beats ‘uncommitted’ only by 85 votes in Madison County
President Barack Obama won the votes of slightly more than half of Madison County’s Democratic voters Tuesday in the Kentucky primary to select delegates to his party’s nominating convention.
-
Stolen saxophone recovered, two people arrested in connection with theft
Police recovered a saxophone reported stolen earlier this month and arrested two people in connection with its theft.
-
Election results
Madison Circuit Court Clerk Darlene Snyder
-
Newcomer Morgan leads city commission voting
Laura Durham Morgan led the ballot of 14 candidates Tuesday in the non-partisan primary to select eight finalists in the Richmond City Commission race. -
Snyder wins clerk’s race
Darlene Snyder won the Madison circuit court clerk’s race by nearly 400 votes Tuesday, an outcome she attributes to her campaign volunteers.
“It feels like our hard work has paid off,” Snyder said Tuesday night outside the home of A.B. Grant, the site of her victory party. Nearly four dozen supporters were hugging, cheering and high-fiving both outside and inside the home after the results came in. -
Berry kept wheels going round and round for 45 years
Madison County Schools had 29 employees retire this year, some after careers spanning several decades.
While several retirees have more than 30 years of service, only bus driver Louda Berry can boast a tenure of 45 years. - More Local News Headlines
-
BREAKING NEWS: Grand jury indicts men in double-murder
Secret Service Boss: 'I Apologize'
Giant Bull Head Draws Drivers to South Dakota
Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate
Egyptians Vote in Historic Presidential Election
Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse
Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes
Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test
Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Joplin Marches to 'Remember' Tornado Victims
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
Cuba Waiting for Cyber Age to Come
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
Sheriff: DNA Links Suspect to Missing CA Teen
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
