African American History Spotlight: Tommy Preston, Jr.

Introduction

Display the following prompt for students to answer as they enter the classroom:

• What qualities make a good leader?

Once all students are in their seats and have responded to the prompt, allow students to share aloud and write their responses on the board. When finished, explain to students that today's lesson is inspired by November's South Carolina African American History Calendar honoree, Tommy Preston, Jr, an influential business leader from South Carolina.

Spotlight Graphic Organizer

Have students watch the video for the South Carolina African American History Calendar November Honoree. As they watch, students should fill out the Spotlight Graphic Organizer.

Students will record the following information:

• Background: Where is Tommy Preston, Jr. from? What events led him to career in business.
• Education: Where did Tommy Preston, Jr. attend school? What degree(s) did he earn?
• Accomplishments: What honors and accomplishments did Tommy Preston, Jr. achieve?
• Impact: What impact has Tommy Preston, Jr. had on the community?

Students may research additional information if they cannot answer the questions from the video or calendar excerpt.

Student Project: Design a Community Initiative

Discuss with the class Tommy Prestons Jr.'s work in community outreach and youth empowerment (Cocky's Reading Express and Boeing's "Boeing Days" program). 

Tell students that they will work in groups to design a community initiative that addresses a real or hypothetical need within their community. The goal is for students to experience firsthand how business leaders like Tommy Preston Jr. use their platforms to make meaningful contributions.

Students will complete the following steps:

1. Research and Identify a Community Need
2. Design the Initiative
3. Incorporate Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Elements
4. Presentation of Initiatives

For a detailed overview, refer to the student handout.

Conclusion 

After each group shares their initiative with the class, have students write a short reflection on the qualities of effective leadership they learned from Tommy Preston Jr. and how they can apply these principles in their own lives.