Sennica Harris speaks at SGTC Crisp County Center Black History Celebration

CORDELE, Ga. — During this year’s Black History Celebration at the South Georgia Technical College Crisp County Center, Sennica Harris, Regional Support Specialist for Food Lion, shared a powerful story about how education and dreams combined with hard work can change not just one life – but generations.

Standing before students, faculty, alumni, community, and family members, the SGTC alumnus shared how SGTC became a turning point for his family.  His journey, rooted in faith and perseverance, reflected the very spirt of Black History Month, resilience, opportunity, and the courage to dream beyond circumstances.

Harris earned his diploma in Business and Office Technology from South Georgia Tech in 2001 and pursued higher education, obtaining an Associate’s Degree from Troy University, followed by Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees from Liberty University.  Currently he is working toward a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, emphasizing his ongoing dedication to personal and professional growth.

As the Regional Support Specialist for Food Lion, Harris oversees/supports operations across 18 stores in South Georgia.  He and his wife, Dr. Sha-kedra Harris, are co-owners of Guiding Light Holistic Care and Counseling LLC, an organization dedicated to providing mental health services and fostering community well-being.  They are also founders of Holistically Anchored Inc., a non-profit organization committed to holistic health and empowerment.  They have three children: Felicity, Logan, and Londyn.

Harris is the son of Genelle Harris and the late Deotis Harris.  His story or connection with South Georgia Tech began with his mother.  He was the only boy in a family of four children and his parents worked hard to provide them with necessities.  “We had what we needed, but there was not much left over for extras,” explained Harris who asked his mother to stand.  He then shared her story of how her saying of “one day,” left a legacy and how he is continuing to build on that not only for himself but also for his children.

“My mother and father both worked hard.  My mom worked at Manhattan Shirt Company until one day it closed.  She had always said ‘one day I am going to get my education.’  After Manhattan closed, she enrolled in the Business Education program at South Georgia Tech while also working part-time jobs to help provide for us.”

Genelle Harris not only enrolled, she excelled.  She made it to the final four of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) program.  She graduated while Sennica was still in high school.  Her education led her to a job sitting behind a desk rather than a manual labor job.  Then she moved up to a managerial position and from there rose to a regional supervisory position.  Sennica Harris watched his mother’s ‘one day’ become a reality.  And that is why he chose to begin his vocational education journey at South Georgia Tech after high school graduation.

“I am excited today because this is my homecoming.  I am honored and privileged to share in this celebration.  It gives me great joy to celebrate our black history. South Georgia Tech helped pave the way for my success and had a significant impact on my life,” explained Harris.

His life’s motto is “You get out of life what you put into it,” and that is what has driven him to be passionate about mentoring, community service, faith, and his family.  He shared that he was a dreamer just like Joseph from the Bible.  And just like Joseph, his dreams did not always reflect his situation or surroundings.

“Dreams are important, but it is just as important that we work hard to make those dreams become reality and we do not allow public opinion to cancel our dreams.  Don’t let your dreams be mocked away!” said Harris.

“Joseph’s dreams were given to him by God.  His brothers mocked his dreams, but he held on to them and those dreams took him from the pit, to prison, to the palace.    And just like Joseph and his dreams, black excellence has been misunderstood before it was celebrated.

“Protect your dreams,” explained Harris.  “If it happened for me, it can happen for you.  Black History is still being written every day.  My dreams did not match my surroundings.  Just like in Joseph’s time, not everyone will understand your dreams.  But it is important to know that ‘one day’ your dreams can become your legacy.”

Harris encouraged others to use dreams as a means of accountability.  Dreams should hold you responsible for your actions and then he added, “protect your dreams and allow them to become a legacy. None of what happened for me happened overnight,” said Harris. “My dreams had to mature and now they are all about a legacy.  My children are watching.  My community is watching.  Don’t ever stop.  Delay does not mean denied.”

His message resonated deeply with those in attendance.  He encouraged them not to let temporary setbacks define their future and reminded them that greatness often begins in humble spaces – sometimes in classrooms just like theirs.

The Black History Celebration at South Georgia Technical College highlighted more than one individual’s success.  It underscored a broader truth:  access to education continues to be one of the most powerful tools for advancement.

And for many in attendance, his story was more than inspiration, it was a reminder that the next chapter of Black history is being written today – in classrooms, in families, and in the hearts of those bold enough to dream.

SGTC Crisp County Center Accounting Instructor Tammy Hamilton, SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education instructor Cambrette Hudson, SGTC Mathematics Instructor Rose Leggett, and Welding and Joining Technology Instructor Tom Mayo joined SGTC Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Michele McGowan in organizing the Black History Program titled, “A Century of Labor, A Legacy of Memory.”

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