SGTC Black History Program Inspires Community to Embrace the Future with Faith and Purpose
AMERICUS, GA – Faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered at South Georgia Technical College for an uplifting and powerful Black History Program featuring guest speaker Rev. Christopher O’Bryant, who delivered a message of faith, perseverance, and vision. The theme was “Soaring to the Future, Remembering the Past.”
O’Bryant is Pastor of Saint Luke Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, but grew up in Americus and graduated from Sumter County Comprehensive High School in 1999. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry and a Masters of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Administration from Emmanuel Bible College and Seminary. He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
He is the son of SGTC Executive Assistant to the President Teresa O’Bryant and Dirk A. Engram. He is the father of Kyra Deona O’Bryant (22) and Christopher Deon O’Bryant, II (13). In addition to pastoring Saint Luke Baptist Church, he is an adjunct professor for the Refreshing Faith Bible College (Online Campus) and the Chaplain for Poteat-Wakefield Mortuary in Albany, Ga. He is the owner of O’Bryant Spiritual Consulting Firm.
Rev. O’Bryant encouraged attendees to reflect on the past without becoming bound by it. “We must learn to let go of what was,” he said, emphasizing that while history shapes us, it does not have to limit our future. “History is still being written. History is to be remembered but not relived. Go forward.”
Drawing from both scripture and personal insight, Rev. O’Bryant shared a central message that resonated deeply throughout the room: “Learn how to use what you’ve got. When you use what you have, God will fill in and do what you cannot.”
He reminded attendees that many of the victories celebrated during Black History Month were achieved not because individuals had abundant resources, but because they used what was in their hands — their faith, their voice, their education, and their determination. When they stepped forward in faith, doors opened and barriers fell.
The program served as both a celebration of Black history and a call to action. Rev. O’Bryant encouraged everyone to let go of the former and look forward to the future. “Don’t get stuck on yesterday or the past. Don’t worry about the former. Look to the future.”
SGTC 2026 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year, Dorothea Lusane-McKenzie presided over the event and SGTC Custodian and Pastor Glenn Bryant delivered the Invocation. SGTC President Dr. John Watford welcomed everyone to the event and introduced the speaker.
Johnny Griffin, SGTC Air Conditioning Technology Instructor, gave the occasion and SGTC 2026 GOAL (Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership) student Keyara Williams delivered a reading. SGTC Aviation Technology Instructor Charles Christmas delivered the benediction.
The St. Luke Senior Ensemble delivered several vocal selections are part of the program. Mr. Joshua Wilson was the musician for the event.
As the program concluded, attendees left encouraged and energized — reminded that the journey from struggle to success is paved with faith, resilience, and the courage to use what one already possesses.
The event was planned by the SGTC Black History Committee members including: Tami Blount, Industry Partner Coordinator; Cynthia Carter, Career Services Director; Victoria Herron, Aviation Instructor, Chief Calvin Hodge, Chief of SGTC Police Department, Dorothea Lusane-McKenzie, Rick Perkins Instructor of Year and SGTC Cosmetology Instructor; Teresa McCook, Criminal Justice Instructor; Brett Murray, Academic Dean; and Teresa O’Bryant, Executive Assistant to the President.
Copyright 2026 South Georgia News. All rights reserved.
