History Makers discuss diversity and breaking ground

On Sept. 27, Samo was visited by both Otis Williams, an original member of The Temptations, and James Avery of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Their visitation was organized by the History Makers educational outreach program.“The History Makers goal is to document the history of prominent African-Americans and their contributions to our country,” English teacher Nathan Fulcher.  “They are coming in with the idea of getting all of our students to commit to their education and what they have to offer.”The Chicago-based organization holds an annual nationwide “Back to School Day,” where 230 schools in 68 cities and over 30 states receive 500 History Makers who share their stories.  Samo's presentation was held in Barnum Hall during 3rd period, and Samo's African American Literature students mainly attended the event.71-year-old Williams, born in Texarkana, Texas, was the first to speak on how he achieved success and respect in spite of his ethnicity. He said that growing up around Rock 'n Roll and signing into Motown Records in his early twenties allowed him to avoid ruining his education or joining gangs and protests that were common in his youth."I stayed focus enough and signed with Motown because it's just what I wanted to do," Williams said. "A lot of things kept me on the right path, that's how I'm sitting here today. There's a lot of things I went through and I thank God that we're able to sit here and tell you about it."Avery, 64, also experienced temptation and racism as Williams did, but nonetheless maintains his loyalty and pride in the American way of life."There is no other country I would rather live in," Avery said. "It's all our culture, that's what makes the American culture, it's us, our little flavor we throw in.  We are the roux, like they say the roux in the stew."According to Avery, wisdom plays a crucial role in shaping one's future."Everything you need to find comes from a book," Avery said.  "It is so important.  Any doubts or questions that you need answered, search it out there is so much access to knowledge.  Education is yours only if you get active in it."According to Williams, education be sought both inside and outside of the classroom."Life is ever-learning, you sit, you learn, but it don't stop here; you're still going to keep learning about life," Williams said. "Regardless of all the wisdom you get here, you're still going to learn once you leave.  Life is ever-learning."According to Avery, after his time in the Navy, he experienced a sudden interest in acting while attending the University of San Diego."The theater is like a bug that bites you," Avery said. "There's no other way to explain why you would do something so full of disappointment. You set yourself up for so much rejection. Don't shut anything out of your life, if something comes along and you're interested in it not, try it out, you never can tell."This advice resonated with Krystal Williams ('14) who attended the presentation. According to Williams, the speakers’ stories were both entertaining and influential."It put a smile on my face because though they went through a time that was very difficult, seeing how they could overcome was very inspiring," Williams said.  "I learned that if you put in the time and effort you will achieve success."According to Fulcher, the assembly was constructive for both the students and presenters."I thought it went great," Fulcher said. " I think the students were a lot more excited this year, there was a positive turn out and the speakers created a very relaxed atmosphere. It's been a great opportunity to meet people who have made really significant contributions and to have African-American role models speak on behalf of their experience."