February 23, 2023
Black History Month was celebrated on the Poplarville Campus of Pearl River Community College with a round table discussion featuring three men with strong ties to The River.
Kendale Lumpkins served as moderator for the discussion with guests PRCC Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Oney and Lucas Lymuel. Lumpkins is a PRCC graduate who currently leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes group on campus. Lymuel is also a PRCC graduate who currently works as Recruitment & Marketing Specialist between the Forrest County and Poplarville Campuses.
The discussion walked through some of the challenges faced as black men in America, who inspired them, and words of wisdom for the young adults in attendance.
“When I think back to Martin Luther King, Jr., I recall his values of God, family, and service,” said Lumpkins. “Those things are the things that I believe we’re embodying up here on this stage today, being able to go back and serve the community in some fashion.”
The men shared about how experiences in life shape who you are and the vision you have for the future.
“Experiences in your life can change your values and perception of things,” said Lymuel. “That changes who you are and the kind of legacy you want to leave.”
All in the auditorium were challenged to live their lives knowing they could be making a difference to somebody. They were also reminded that more opportunities to become successful members of society exist today thanks to the sacrifices of those who came before us.
“Your hard work and your dedication and motivation; if you have a chance, you should take it,” said Oney. “And that’s what Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech is all about; giving you a chance to at least open the door and sit down and say okay, this is what I can bring.”
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Article by Laura O’Neill.
Photography by River Roderick.
