South Georgia Technical College Board of Directors speaks at Black History Program

AMERICUS, Ga. – I’m here at South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) where they’re celebrating Black History Month, having guest speakers to give the younger generation advice and to recognize those who have paved the way before them.

Among the speakers was Alton Ford, a member of the SGTC Board of Directors and a longtime employee of Flint Energies, where he served for 30 years.

Ford’s message for black history month emphasized the importance of understanding the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

“It did help individuals to work harder and achieve that goal, knowing how hard it was in the past. Now, today is much easier than it was then, but it’s not easy. But, it’s easy and it wasn’t a plan. So individuals can achieve better when they know that they can achieve them. Because where we’re going, it is and where we came from,” said Alton Ford, Board of Directors, SGTC.

In between speakers, students and faculty enjoyed powerful musical performances, but the most impactful takeaway came from the messages shared.

“Yes. The acceptance. Appreciate that we as a nation have to grow together. We have to make sure that we are well unified by respecting one another and making sure that we are, assisting one another when we can. And, this will help us in many ways. And, as I mentioned today, you know, the family arrangement is very important. So, many companies have family-oriented companies just like the college here. We have family oriented. So, it makes us respect one another more transparency, communication, all these things play a big role,” said Ford.

I’ll leave you with a quote from Ford that I thought was particularly powerful, a reminder that no role is too small to make a difference…

“It may seem as you’re not important, but you are,”

As even something as small as a nail can be the reason something stands or collapses.

Gabe Hutton reporting.

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