Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, Col. Eric Bryant, was the featured speaker at South Georgia Technical College’s (SGTC) annual African American History Program. The event took place before a large audience in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on SGTC’s Americus campus.
“We make history every day,” Bryant said in his remarks. “As we travel on this journey, it’s important that we inspire and encourage one another.”
A 1993 graduate of Americus High School, Eric Bryant has made a difference in countless lives in the Sumter County community and beyond. He has served as Chief Deputy in the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office since 2004. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He serves on the boards of New Horizons Habitat for Humanity, Zion Hope Outreach Ministry, and Life Transformation Ministry. He is also an active member of Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains.
Chief Bryant often speaks at youth programs including D.A.R.E. graduations, The Chamber of Commerce Youth Achievers Program, Boys and Girls Club Teen Explosion, African American Institute Program at GSW, and countless engagements with the Sumter County School System.
“As we celebrate African American history,” Bryant said at the SGTC event, “the most important thing to remember is that you, too, can make a difference.”
Sumter County Primary School Singers and Shannon Gordon performed vocal selections for the program. South Georgia Tech’s 2020 Instructor of the year, Dorothea Lusane McKenzie, presided over the program. SGTC Law Enforcement Academy Director Brett Murray gave the invocation and benediction. Phi Beta Lambda Vice President and Student Government Association member Xavier Winfield gave the occasion.
The committee who organized the African American History Program included SGTC faculty and staff members Cynthia Carter, Career Placement Director; Paul Farr, Director of Business and Industry Services; Vanessa Wall, Assistant Vice President of Student Services; Teresa O’Bryant, Executive Assistant to the President; Sammy Stone, Director of Campus Safety; and Teresa McCook, Criminal Justice instructor.