Born in East Burlington on Queen Anne Street, Alamance County, NC, in 1980, we find the unfolding story of Seneca. It's a tale that goes beyond mere geography, delving into a significant educational journey that has deeply influenced his path. Seneca's early years were marked by a move to Graham, where the foundation of his academic and personal development began. At South Graham Elementary, his journey through the education system took its first significant turn, unveiling the first of many eye-opening experiences he would face.
An average boy for the first few years of his life, Seneca's story took an unexpected turn in the second grade when a crucial meeting occurred between his parents and his teacher. Despite his grades being marked satisfactory, his teacher expressed concerns over his behavior and the tendency to talk in class, suggesting these were signs of a deeper learning issue. As it was put to his parents, “a kid who could not learn.” This assertion, which was starkly at odds with his academic performance, set the stage for a turning point in Seneca's life. His father, advocating for his son, questioned the lack of testing to support such a claim and proposed instead that perhaps the curriculum failed to challenge him. The teacher's insistence on a possible learning deficiency sparked a determination in Seneca's parents, leading them to make a decisive move away from the Alamance County School System in search of a better environment for their son's growth.
In those days, Alamance County had two school systems, the Alamance County School System and the Burlington School System. It was understood that the County School systems had fewer resources [1] and were on the ‘other side of the tracks.’
“I always remember my parents emphasizing how crucial education was to them. They explained that while many things in life could be taken from you, your education and what you've learned remain yours forever. They acknowledged my passion for sports but reminded me that physical abilities might wane with time. However, the knowledge and education I possess will always be with me, guiding me to achieve my best in whatever path I choose in life.
This decision to relocate to Burlington City School System marked a new chapter in Seneca's educational journey, one that would be defined by opportunities, challenges, and triumphs. It was a testament to his parents' belief in the power of education and their commitment to ensuring that Seneca had access to the resources and support he needed to thrive. Their move was driven by a deep-seated conviction that education was a priceless asset that would equip Seneca with the knowledge and skills to navigate the future, regardless of the physical prowess that characterized his youth.
“In high school, I excelled in athletics, becoming a state champion in track and an all-conference basketball player. My parents were proud of these achievements, but my academic success truly mattered to them. They were most proud when I made the honor roll, joined the president's club for my grades, and was inducted into the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.”
Their focus remained steadfastly on his achievements outside of sports. They appreciated his athletic endeavors but were convinced that his true potential resided in his education and the paths it would open for him. Whether it involved pursuing higher education or setting ambitious goals, they supported his dreams wholeheartedly. He often shared a light-hearted ambition with his father about becoming the President of the United States, aspiring to be the first black president. However, Barack Obama reached that milestone ahead of him, a reality he accepted with grace, acknowledging Obama's achievement as simply a matter of timing.
The challenges Seneca faced were not confined to the classroom; they extended into the broader societal context, reflecting the stigmas and stereotypes that often cloud the potential of young black individuals. His decision to run for the school board was not merely a personal ambition but a commitment to advocate for change, to address the systemic issues affecting the educational environment, and to ensure that future generations had access to equitable opportunities for learning and development.
“After graduating from A&T magna cum laude with a political science degree and a distinguished track career, my focus shifted towards mentoring. While at A&T, I began mentoring young students at nearby elementary and middle schools. This experience sparked a realization in me: my ambition wasn't just to pursue high office but to meaningfully contribute to the next generation's success, guiding them towards achieving their dreams.
This newfound purpose led me back to Alamance County, where I took on the role of a track coach at Cummings High School, my alma mater. Working there, I encountered students facing challenges similar to those I had experienced, including limited community resources and the instability of their parents' jobs. These encounters deeply affected me, especially a moment when I drove one of my athletes home. He shared his struggle, contemplating quitting track to support his family due to his mother's multiple jobs and his responsibility towards his younger siblings. This conversation highlighted the harsh reality many young people face: sacrificing their own dreams and the simplicity of being a teenager to support their families.
Around 2016, discussions about redistricting the school system began, proposing to transform Cummings into an arts school and Graham into a trade school. This period marked a significant reflection point for Seneca as he considered how to contribute more substantially to his community and address its systemic issues.
From as early as 2017 and 2018, leading up to his first campaign run in 2020 and continuing to the present, Seneca scarcely missed a school board meeting. His dedication to being present and absorbing the discussions and decisions being made was unwavering. Seneca committed himself to being not just a spectator but also an active participant in the educational discourse, sharing insights with the community and engaging with teachers, students, coaches, bus drivers, and anyone connected to the public school system. His mission was clear: to dismantle the stigma attached to certain schools and their students, having personally navigated the challenges associated with such perceptions.
Determined to change the narrative and prove that individual initiative can make a difference, Seneca stepped into the arena, ready to face whatever outcome his actions might bring. This commitment was not just about advocating for change; it was deeply personal. By identifying as "just a kid from East Burlington" on social media, Seneca reclaimed a narrative that sought to confine his potential. This declaration served as a beacon for others from Mebane, Pleasant Grove, Graham, or any other place, reminding them that their origins do not define their limits.
His efforts were fueled by a deep-seated belief in the potential within his community and a desire to represent East Burlington proudly, showcasing the talent and positivity that thrived there. This dedication continues to drive Seneca's involvement and advocacy, proving that significant impact and transformation are possible within the community and beyond with genuine concern and active participation.
Seneca's story is more than a personal triumph; it is a call to action, a reminder of the importance of community involvement, and the collective responsibility to support and uplift one another. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to education that recognizes students' diverse needs and the critical role of mental health support, safety, and technological resources in fostering a conducive learning environment.
As Seneca reflects on his journey, his vision for the future of Alamance Burlington School System is clear: to create a model of excellence that attracts families and businesses alike, where every student feels valued, supported, and equipped to pursue their dreams. It is a vision that transcends the confines of individual schools, aspiring to build a cohesive, inclusive community that champions the potential of every child.
In Seneca's story, we find a powerful testament to the enduring impact of education, the strength of community, and the transformative power of advocacy and determination. It is a story that inspires, challenges, and calls us to action, reminding us of the profound difference we can make the in the lives of young people and the future of our communities.
[1] https://greensboro.com/merger-of-schools-nears-amid-questions/article_687bf539-2612-5a6d-99fd-6335bbdd352f.html
