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First African-American teacher in Okemos recognized for Black History Month
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Growing up in Florida during a time of segregation and racial tension, retired Okemos teacher Carrie Owens has come a long way. “Sometimes I get identity crisis,” Owens said jokingly. “I grew up in the south as ‘colored,’ and then we were ‘negros,’ then we were ‘black,’ then we were ‘people of color,’ and now we are African-Americans.”
Owens was the first black teacher hired into the Okemos school district in 1964. On Feb. 20, at the Meridian Township Board meeting, Owens was recognized for her contribution to education in honor of Black History Month.