LACCD In The News

Two College Presidents Share Stories from South LA

June 22, 2023

By Diverse Issues in Higher Education

Two College Presidents Share Stories from South LA

Don’t miss this captivating discussion between two Black Los Angeles-area college presidents who shared their journey from South L.A. to the presidential suite in commemoration of Juneteenth. 

Dr. Anthony Culpepper, president of Los Angeles Southwest College, joined Robert Brown, Esq., president of the University of West Los Angeles, for a special chat about their life paths and the impact education had on their success. 

As two Black children who led parallel lives a generation apart, the presidents discussed pivotal moments in their young lives growing up in South Los Angeles that led to their decisions to seek more than what the streets offered.  

They connect on their recognition of the fragility of life, their responsibilities as role models, and their humility through success. Their raw discussion acknowledges their paths are not special, and in fact, they are fortunate their decisions led them to success — decisions they hope to pass on to new generations.

Quotables:

“The ghetto is not a territory, it’s a mindset. Juneteenth for me is a day to reflect on overcoming the mindset of being imprisoned, oppressed, and impoverished.” - Robert Brown, Esq. 

“I’m hoping that we get to the point where we’re not dependent on a holiday to know that we’re free. Freedom is a frame of mind, and if I’m free in my mind, you can never cage me.” - Dr. Anthony Culpepper

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