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WCC-Sparks Campus Celebrates Black History Month

Matt Boster

Viewed: 1699

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Mar 05 2015 1:45 PM

Eufaula, Ala.–Wallace Community College-Sparks Campus celebrated Black History Month on February 25 with presentations recognizing the need for students to mentor younger children and the success that comes from never giving up on your dreams:


 


“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman.


 


                Wallace Community College Sparks Campus instructors Derek Crawford and Quincey Banks encouraged students during the recent Black History Month presentation. Banks, who teaches Industrial Systems and Advanced Manufacturing, is also an accomplished photographer, farmer, and mentor.  He challenged those in attendance to mentor kids who may not have a strong role model at home. “There are kids who are being raised by single parents and just need that special someone to help them along,” said Banks.


                This year marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, pivotal events that many students may not be aware of. The marches led to the Voting Civil Rights Act in August, 1965. Banks asked the students if they wanted to be a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or one of the 24,999 who joined the march in 1965. “Stop letting those around you tell you that you can’t—take a stand,” he concluded.


                Derek Crawford, Engineering Graphics and Animation instructor, spoke about overcoming personal obstacles to achieve his goals. Born to a teen mom, Crawford was raised by his grandmother. Although living conditions were grave he continued to receive encouragement and motivation for his future. Derek remembers, “At the age of six, my grandfather would pick me up on the weekends to stay with him. We would sometimes go to the parking lot at Wallace Community College and he would tell me that I would go to school there one day.”


               


That statement became a reality when Derek received a scholarship and attended the drafting program taught by instructor Mike Jernigan. Little did he know that years later, after pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree from UAB and dead-end jobs in the graphic design field, he would come back to where it all startedWallace Community College. “I fell in love with teaching and have such a wonderful feeling when I see students walk across the stage at graduation,” says Crawford. He encouraged the group to hang around positive people and to step out of their comfort zone. “Don’t take what’s handed to you—sometimes you have to make your own choices,” he advised.


 


WCC Instructor Quincy Banks (right) talks to students, faculty, and staff after the Black History Month presentation held at Wallace Community College-Sparks Campus in Eufaula. Pictured (left to right) are Earl Bynum, Josh Haskins, Derek Crawford, Kathryn Cox, Barbara Dinkins, Justin Austin, Jane French, and Quincy Banks.



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WCC-Sparks Campus Celebrates Black History Month

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