365: PROJECT: 'Tri-Cities Trailblazers' Setting the Stage

***NOTE: All 365 PROJECT content was reposted after Tricities.com underwent a website renovation Spring 2008.***

Originally Published: February 24, 2008
NICKI MAYO, WJHL-TV/Tricities.com

TriCities.com, Bristol Herald Courier’s media partner, is featuring video essays from teens talking about "Tri-Cities Trailblazers," African-Americans who are making a difference in their lives.

Teachers, coaches, clerics, volunteers and motivational speakers topped the list of adults setting the stage for tomorrow’s leaders.
Kira Jones chose Shane Williams, who grew up in Johnson City and is coaching at King College in Bristol Tennessee, as her "Tri-Cities Trailblazer."

"I think he is a successful African-American that is making a difference in the community," she said.
Eastman Chemical Company’s Hilliard Smithers III is an inspiration to Science Hill eighth grader Hunter Perkinson.
"He ran as a child, but then was diagnosed with a terrible disease known as diabetes," Perkinson said.
Classmate Beth Amstutz says motivational speaker Brenda White-Wright’s previous work with the Kingsport Girl’s Inc. continues to inspire her to reach for the stars.

"Her whole life, Brenda White-Wright has been helping other people," Amstutz said. "She has helped many people through her program ‘The Wright Approach.’"

Tri-Cities Trailblazers
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Anthony Hill by Makayla Hill
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Rev. Vincent Dial by Chloe Joseph
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Rev. Bestman by Hunter Perkinson
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Hilliard Smithers III by Diana Rowell
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Tyra Livingston by Sydney Spears
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Rachel Colvan by Paige Van de Vuurst
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Robert McKinney by Adelina Whittington
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: T.R. Dunn by Sheila Tello
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Rukang Chikomb by Olivia Wagstaff
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Brenda White-Wright by Beth Amstutz
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Shane Williams by Kira Jones
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Pat Long by Kevin Blankenstein
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Charles Fobbs by Ashley Fobbs
Tri-Cities Trailblazer: Charlie Morgan by Bri Leeper

###

Check out the complete 365 PROJECT Series

Mapping Tri-Cities Black History Home Page
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_mapping_tri_cities_black_history_home_page/13633/

Tri-Cities Black History Points Of Interest
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_tri_cities_black_history_points_of_interest/13634/

‘Tri-Cities Trailblazers’ Setting the Stage
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_tri_cities_trailblazers_setting_the_stage/13635/

First Black Roan Scholar
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_first_black_roan_scholar/13636/

First Black Chamber Officer
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_first_black_chamber_officer/13637/

World Class Runner Gets Kids On Track With Tennis
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_world_class_runner_gets_kids_on_track_with_tennis1/13638/

Bristol TN Exhibit Links Quilts To Underground Railroad
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_bristol_tn_exhibit_links_quilts_to_underground_railroad/13639/

Douglass School Alumni Promote Community Pride Online
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_douglass_school_alumni_promote_community_pride_online/13640/

Tri-Cities Black History Pop Quiz Answers
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_tri_cities_black_history_pop_quiz_answers/13641/

Extended Interview With Langston Heritage Group Director Mary Alexander
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_extended_interview_with_langston_heritage_group_director_mary_a/13643/

Extended Interview With Calvin Sneed, Sons and Daughters of Douglass Historian
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/365_project_extended_interview_with_calvin_sneed_sons_and_daughters_of_doug/13644/