A while back my wife and I meandered along some new and old trails from New Boston down to southeast Texas. The scenery was wonderful, the food was great, and the conversations along the way were inspiring.
We were especially interested in walking the campus of Wiley College. We had heard about the school for several years, but the Denzel Washington movie, The Greater Debaters, placed it higher on the list. The afternoon was a bit dreary with a slight mist in the air. We parked and headed onto the campus. Immediately a young woman asked if we were visitors. We replied in the affirmative and she stopped to chat with us. She told us the story of her path from Memphis, Tennessee to Marshall, Texas, her interest in music, and how in the week to follow, she was going to meet Denzel Washington. The young woman with the unique name and story, Diamonique Jackson, you can hear more of her story here. She was amazing both in person and on the stage in those two videos. Not long into our conversation, another college student, Terrell, joined us. Also from Memphis, he was on the Wiley campus to get a degree and job in the tourism and hospitality industry.
A distinguished gentleman also walked by and called out to us, "Are you visiting?" "Yes, we are." "Then come to hear students discuss JFK's death tonight. At 6:00 there in the library." We thanked him and he went on.
At 6:00 we returned to the library. There was the young musician, participating along with 30 or so other students in a variety of groups, debating and discussing a variety of theories about President Kennedy's assassination. Professor David Whitehead skillfully led the class and the presentations. The students competently presented their materials and handed in their papers to Professor Whiteside. One student had graduated the previous year with a degree in chemistry. She had also worked on last year's debate team. She was proud of her school's national championship. Here is one picture. Hope you enjoy it.
We were stirred. On the same campus as the debaters. Students with inspiring stories. A professor with a passion for his material and his students.
Glad we dropped by. Would like to have stayed longer.
