Dr. Francine C. Childs is a Professor Emerita at African American Studies at Ohio University. In 1977, Dr. Francine Childs became Ohio University’s first tenured African American professor.
Dr. Childs later served as a delegate to Jesse Jackson’s 1984 campaign for president. For the past thirty-five years, she has served in various capacities. Among them were the chair of curriculum (1974-1996), Director of summer programs (1975-1978). She also served as chairperson of the Department between 1984-1989. She has received appointments to Human Relations Councils, Religious Boards, Criminal Justice Committees, and Professional Associations.
Dr. Childs has conducted workshops for the Ohio Baptists General Assembly; Hocking Valley School of the Bible, and other Church and Professional groups. Counseling and helping at-risk youth surmount their obstacles to success. Professor Childs is active in recruiting, and working with area youth groups. Due to Dr. Childs love for children, she often serves as a motivational speaker for area Elementary, High School and College programs. Professor Childs started Imani, a Saturday School for African American youngsters, as a laboratory for her (AAS 440) Black Child Class in 1991.
The Fannie Lou Hamer Statue Committee (FLHSC) is a not-for-profit, non political organization comprised of local, regional and national civil rights activists, scholars and community leaders who serve as fundraising and educational ambassadors in conjunction with the City of Ruleville, public, private and individual initiatives to help achieve the goals of the Fannie Lou Hamer Statue project.
The FLHSC exists solely for the purpose of supporting efforts to honor and pay tribute to Mrs. Hamer by commissioning the construction of a full-length statue of the civil and human rights leader, to be placed on permanent display at the Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial Garden in Ruleville, Mississippi.