To recognize Black History Month we are sharing voices from the Visions community. In this Staff Spotlight we interviewed Special Education teacher Ken Mewborn.

Hello, my name is Ken Mewborn, I am a Special Education teacher at Visions In Education supporting students and families with their educational needs.

How did your upbringing play a role in your career path/education?

I had teachers and coaches that encouraged me to go to college on an athletic scholarship. College and the education it gave me opened my eyes to endless possibilities.

What is your favorite mantra?

“You will know what you want to do, once you start doing something.”

What motivates you to come to work each day?

Knowing that I am contributing to students and families in a positive and encouraging way.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It means awareness and recognition for the positive accomplishments of African Americans everywhere, past and present.

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life.

I can’t remember the name of the individual, but when I was a member of the Black Student Union in high school, a man held six different careers in order to prove that a Black man could do different professions. I have also been successful in various professions including factory work, the Air Force, law enforcement, entrepreneurship (real estate/mortgages), education, and more to come.

How do you plan on observing Black History Month personally and/or with your students/colleagues?

Attend events either in Vallejo or Sacramento. Watch National events on television.

Any book or documentary recommendations for educating ourselves on Black History?

Watch movies like Hidden Figures, Selma, Just Mercy, and 42 (the Jackie Robinson movie). These are movies based on real people and real life events, and they are entertaining.

Who is an inspirational Black historical figure who inspires you and why?

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

Malcolm X, because he changed his life twice for the better. Once in jail from a criminal to a follower of Islam. Then later from a racist person to one who accepted everyone, no matter what their skin color.

Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life for the cause of freedom and equality. This means we can all do a lot more.

What’s a fun fact about you?

My last name had to be corrected on my birth certificate from “Newborn” to “Mewborn”. This mistake still happens today.

Anything else you would like to share?

We all need to continually grow in our knowledge and understanding of other people.

Click here for Black History Month learning resources.