MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - At the Meridian Township Board meeting on February 20, 2018, Carrie Owens was recognized during the Black History Month Presentation. Treasurer Julie Brixie presented a speech as well as a gift to Owens.

Owens was born in 1936 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Owens was the first African American teacher in the Okemos Public School District from 1964 to 1969. Owens spoke at the meeting after receiving the recognition.

Owens said at least we have a month to celebrate Black History, but we should have a whole year.

Owens said, "My parents, who did not have the opportunity to have an education, but they wanted us to have more then they had."

Owens said she grew up in a very segregated area in Florida. Her goal was to always achieve and to help children learn and achieve as well.