Keynote Speakers Brown, Nelson & Washington Motivate OFTC students during 2023 Black History Month Events
Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) was privileged to host Keith L. Brown, principal speaker, lead consultant, award winning author, coach, trainer and founder of the, ‘I’M POSSIBLE Institute’ and 2020 Enterprises, as guest speaker for their 2023 Black History Month events, February 27 and 28 in Sandersville and Dublin.
Full of energy and passion, Brown motivated students, challenging them to know their purpose and value.
“When you’re making history,” he said, “you’re not focused on making history; you’re focused on doing the work.”
Citing a list of both African American and white leaders who made history, Brown encouraged attendees to follow in their ancestors’ footsteps and P.A.V.E the way.
P is for purpose. “Every day you wake up you have to live with purpose on purpose,” Brown said. “You’ve got to know what your why is.”
A is for advocate. “You need to be an advocate for yourselves,” he added. “Protect your peace of mind; don’t lease your peace. Stay away from negative people and advocate for something you believe in.”
V is for value. “You’ve got to know your value and worth,” Brown shared. “You are priceless, and everyone doesn’t deserve a front row seat in your life.”
E is for evolve. “There is greatness in you,” he said. “You’ve just got to grow so you can see it.”
He also encouraged attendees to face opposition with the right position.
“Opposition is going to come,” he said, reminding students that it’s not a bad thing.
“The first thing you have to do is sit,” Brown said. “When you sit, you’re going to meditate, reflect, and get your mental health together.”
“Choose your position” he added. “Don’t walk into this institution with your head held down. Enter and make your presence felt. Take the position not to give up and not to give in.”
At the conclusion of the 2023 Black History Month events, students were served a bagged Chick-fil-a lunch courtesy of OFTC’s Student Government Association.
Jefferson County Center
Students at OFTC’s Jefferson County Center in Louisville were privileged to hear from Pastor James Nelson and Mr. Charles Washington who used the biblical account of Jonah to encourage students to stay focused and on the right path.
The speakers used the black history chant song, gave examples of leaders in black history, and encouraged students to always make the right decision even when things get uncomfortable.
At the conclusion of the event, students enjoyed pizza for lunch courtesy of OFTC’s Student Government Association.
For more info on OFTC’s 130+ programs of study, visit OFTC’s website, OFTC.edu; To learn more about Student Life, please contact Janet Smith at jrsmith@oftc.edu or Susan Hammock at shammock@oftc.edu.
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