Former Quehanna Boot Camp Commander John Thomas stood before a group of 291 male and female Boot Camp and State Intermediate Punishment inmates on Feb. 20 to talk about Black History Month.
Thomas spoke about leaving a legacy. He told the group that right now is when you make your legacy. While incarceration is part of their story, it is not their legacy.
He went on to say that you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. It is easy to be a spectator and not take an active role. He reminded them that today's complacency is tomorrow's captivity—you are what you tolerate.
He encouraged the group to look at their current circle of friends and ask themselves what they represent. Look at people they could have been friends with but chose not to because they were nerds, unattractive, etc., and see where they are in their lives. Having a good circle of friends is important.
Thomas peppered his speech with the names and achievements of such historic figures as Garrett Morgan (invented a traffic light after witnessing an accident between a horse-drawn buggy and a car), Lewis Latimer (patent draftsman for the lightbulb and telephone), Elijah McCoy (invented ironing board and a lawn sprinkler) and Harriet Tubman (freed 300 slaves through the Underground Railroad).
He ended by giving a homework assignment to think about who would make up a good circle of friends and to find a mentor to help guide them. It is never too late to change your legacy… what kind of legacy will you leave?
QBC thanks Thomas for his motivational and inspirational presentation.