Sen. Athneil “Bobby” Thomas spoke to the students at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School during Black History Month, urging them to become leaders within the community. The school’s Black History theme was “Black Migrations: Love, Service and Pride.”
Addressing first two social studies classes and then a room full of seniors, Thomas told of his upbringing and his decision to further his education and join the National Guard while attending college. “But when I graduated college and returned home,” said the senator, “I knew I wanted to become involved in the community and to do my part in making it a great place to live and raise my family.”
The senator also gave a brief presentation on one of the territory’s Black History icons, Alvin McBean, whose history coincided well with the school’s theme. The baseball legend migrated to Puerto Rico to follow his dreams, but he fell in love while there. He later returned home to St. Thomas and served his community while working at the Department of Parks and Recreation.
“Leadership is a must,” Thomas said. “Find something, or an area of the community you’re passionate about, and lead the charge to make it great.”
