Friday, February 19, 2010

PRCC students encouraged to dream big, work hard

    HATTIESBURG - Dream big and work hard Wiley Quinn Jr. advised Pearl River Community College students Thursday as guest speaker for the fourth annual Black History Month Observance at the Forrest County Center.
    Quinn, code enforcement manager for the City of Hattiesburg, reminded students that previous generations overcame many obstacles as they worked to achieve their dreams.
    "You don’t stop and give up on your dreams simply because things aren’t working well," he said.
    Quinn told the students and faculty about the late Milton Barnes, a Hattiesburg businessman who owned the Black Sox semi-pro baseball team and the legendary Hi-Hat Club.
    "When people like that started, more often than not, they had nothing," Quinn said.
    The program included a slide show about notable African Americans, including Jesse Owens, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King and President Barack Obama.
    "We hope you gain a new perspective, not only of African-American history, but of history as a whole through our program," said Dr. Ryan Ruckel, PRCC history instructor and co-sponsor of the History and Humanities Club.
    The Voices jazz vocal ensemble, under the direction of LaDona Tyson, performed the national anthem and several other selections.
    A native of Tylertown, Quinn served seven years on the Walthall County Board of Supervisors, becoming the county’s first black supervisor and its youngest when he was elected in 1992. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and an elder at River of Life Church in Hattiesburg.
    "This country, this community, this city you’re from needs for you to dream," Quinn said. "What kills a dream is when we look at the impossibilities, our own shortcomings, all the things that talk us out of something."
    The benefits of achieving a dream extend beyond the individual, he said.
    "Your community is waiting for you to show up with your dreams," Quinn said.
    "We need your dreams. We need your hopes. We need you to see yourself as a vital part of your community, your state, your country.
    "You have to be willing to make some personal sacrifices. You have to be willing to work. You have to be willing to persevere. This world needs you to dream."