The Rise & Thrive Chronicles Podcast

 Born in southeastern North Carolina during the time of “separate but equal education,” Richard Newkirk attended grades 1-5 in a four-room Rosenwald School, grades 6-8 in his first school with indoor bathrooms and heating, and high school in one of two schools in Pender County for African Americans.  Since then, Dr Newkirk has spent 40+ years in education working with diverse ethnic and socioeconomic students from grade 7 through graduate school in Illinois, Maryland, California, and North Carolina. His challenge was preparing all students to be their best and make a positive difference as they transitioned to the workforce, the military, and undergraduate school. Listen in on how Dr Newkirk was able to rise to the occasion when needed and thrive under some of the most unequal circumstances. 

Mr. John Ponder was born in the South and is determined to create a better life for himself. He leaves the family farm, graduates from an HBCU, joins the Army and ends up living on the West Coast during segregation and school integration. Here, his legacy begins, along with the lessons he has learned.