The Life and Contributions Of Dr. Alvin Thornton

tHE lIFE AND cONTRIBUTIONS of dR. aLVIN tHORNTON

By: Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson aka Wilkie Clark's Daughter

Dr. Alvin Thornton

No one could be prouder to acknowledge an individual as part of our family than we are, to lay claim to Dr. Alvin Thornton, who is "blood-related" to the late Wilkie Clark, and thereby a permanent fixture within our family circle.

Before we go further in this discussion, let's not get it "twisted!" That is not to imply that Alvin Thornton ever needed a "Wilkie Clark" to validate him. Because I can boldly and emphatically declare that Alvin Thornton is a giant of an individual ALL BY HIMSELF! The operative word being, "individual!" With or without a Wilkie Clark around, Alvin Thornton was predestined to be intellectually superior; a prodigy; a force to be reckoned with.

But what I do acknowledge here is that maybe because Wilkie Clark was around, and through his unique gift of discernment, he saw something within Alvin, that ignited and inspired a kind of "hopefulness" that for generations had been SO lacking in our culture — an insight into all that he might be able to achieve if he exercised all his gifts to the very fullest capacity. So in that regard, perhaps his relationship with Wilkie Clark, served as a catalyst; driving his desire not only to meet but to exceed every ambition and expectation.

From our very earliest memories of him, Dr. Thornton has served as such a tightly woven thread in the fabric of not only our family structure, but our community at large — AND the world — until we find it difficult at best, to accurately and properly assign to him, his rightful place of importance.   As we attempt to capture with words, the overwhelming value of Dr. Thornton's contributions to the furtherance of our goals as a social order and part of our community we pray that the light that radiates from within him will emerge with authentic brilliance.

Moreover, upon closer examination, we are compelled to recognize him on the basis of far more than mere blood relationship. We honor him for his extraordinary lifetime of scholarly achievement(s) in so many of spheres of existence: the social; the familial; the political; the legal; the educational.

Despite the personal — familial — casual nature of our relationship with him (i.e. cousin, brother, comrade, schoolmate, homeboy), we would not dare discount any single one of his intellectual attributes, or his life-long body of work, nearly half-century of academic/administrative leadership in higher education, or scores of distinctions that have been conferred upon him. When we refer to him as "Dr. Alvin Thornton", it is with the UTMOST of respect for all he has achieved, and for our pride in understanding how blessed we are to have such personal fellowship with a person of his caliber.

All one has to do is simply "google" his name, and the volume of search results are absolutely infinite, giving you a wide-angled snapshot of who he is, and the many spheres of influence he inhabits.   Dr. Thornton has long been highly regarded as an eloquent commentator on the political issues of the day, be they past, current or future. His opinions are highly sought after. He has been dubbed a Political Scientist — which he is; an Educator — also which he is; an influencer — that he is; also, he is a husband, father, grandfather; a brother — both adoring and adored by his six living siblings (Earnestine, Gene, Linda, Doris, Denise, and Tracy); and a native-born son of Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama.

By comparison, Dr. Thornton too — like his elder cousin, Wilkie Clark — walked the dusty roads of Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama, initially in what has been known for generations as, the "Springfield" community. He is the son of the late King George Thornton, and Lillie Mae Baker Thornton. Our great grandmother, Lizzie Turner Baker — a local midwife — attended at his birth, on October 7, 1948. That combination arising from his paternal side, "Thornton" and that family identifier, "Baker" at their deepest microcosmic levels, formed the very glue that cemented our family and comprised the building blocks for who each of us would ultimately become. Consequently, our shared genealogy, as well as our shared experiences coming from this little southern hamlet known as Roanoke; being raised up in the Wehadkee community, where that little wooden church served as its nucleus; being part of the "Baker" clan where our Elders homesteaded together; planted a certain kind of seed within each of us. First it taught us to have a fierce love, and protectiveness for "family." And that "family" extended far beyond the nuclear family. But, like the wandering roots of a tree, extending deep and wide — reaching back generations; and as far away as our mother continent, Africa; and as far into the future as any one of us could imagine there was at the innermost level of awareness, that family "connection" that has remained strong.   It is that depth of understanding and connection that has stamped upon each of us, and imbued within us a stronger sense of WHO WE REALLY ARE.

Who knew that a country boy arising from the dust of a rural "Wehadkee" either could or would grow into the colossal manner of man that Alvin Thornton has become?   Who knew — that anything good could even come out of Roanoke, Alabama, where so many of our kinsmen were oppressed, suppressed, forbidden and willed to languish and merely exist as the descendants of former slaves. Who knew that the potential was even there?

"THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD"

Alvin Thornton Childhood Photo

But, as it turns out — it WAS there; and it was evident from the beginning. Dr. Thornton received his earliest education from what we in this community remember as the Randolph County Training School. If I could capture the character of this institution with words, I would call it "The Little Engine That Could." Yet for the overwhelming majority of those who experienced it, it was far more than that. It was the local black institution where my mother worked along with many other "school moms & dads" who taught little dark-skinned — nappy headed black children every day, who the larger society cast aside as mediocre — not even worth the cost of decent facilities in which to learn; or decent up-to-date books from which to read. But miraculously they did learn; they did read! And in spite of conditions, they excelled. Alvin Thornton was one of those nappy-headed kids, who blossomed and flourished under the influence and watchful eyes of these black academicians. In describing the operation and general climate of the school, it was truly "The Little Engine" for it ran like a "well-oiled machine" turning out amazing finished products — it's hundreds of all-black graduates, most of whom fared well once released into the larger society; and became productive citizens of the world.

A Potentially Deadly Encounter

Alvin Thornton with daughters, Kenya and Octavie and grandsons (Alexander and Nolan) standing beside the RCTS historic marker across from the site of the Ranch Café.

It was probably clear from the beginning that Alvin was an intellectually gifted and curious youngster — a sure and certain predictor of his future success. And as most intellectually gifted individuals while in high school are quite precocious and adventurous, he experienced what had to have been the most disconcerting — discombobulating — traumatizing event of his life, that has been etched in the memories of every Black teacher, student and staff member who ever attended, worked at or was associated with the Randolph County Training School (RCTS) in any way. The school was a Rosenwald descendant school that existed during the period of Jim crow segregation between 1919 and 1970. Having been shielded by the comfort, safety and security of nuclear and extended families, this one encounter may have been Alvin's very first encounter that had the effect of permanently stamping forever the awareness of southern Jim Crow racism on his psyche.

A familiar part of the scenery in the immediate vicinity of his high school was a local business known as "The Ranch Cafe"; Of course, during this time, Negroes — as we were called — were not allowed to enter through the front entrance of the café to purchase food (burgers, sides, drinks, etc.). I mean, for goodness sake! From the west side of the RCTS campus, we could sit in our classrooms or walk across the campus and see the privileged (meaning white) customers stopping by; going in and coming out with their delicacies. So, even though we were probably never privy to that kind of public access, we knew that food was prepared and sold inside the café. Black customers were required to purchase food and receive it through a door at the rear of the café.

On one particular Spring day, Alvin and his schoolmates were gathered in front of the RCTS building waiting for band and football practice to begin, Alvin decided to walk across the highway, at that time Highway 431 a major U.S. thoroughfare that ran across the country North and South, to the Ranch Cafe to purchase some refreshments. It can only be assumed that he had money, same as everybody else who stopped in there and ordered food. Upon entering the Café and sitting on a counter stool, he noticed the look of amazement and shock on the faces of the White male customers and Black women employees who were preparing food in the kitchen. A White woman waiter took his order (a hamburger) and proceeded to call the manager of the Café who was working downtown in Roanoke. After two or three other RCTS students joined Alvin in the Café, the owner arrived carrying a large silver pistol. Upon entry, he turned his attention to Alvin, stating “nigger you know you are not supposed to be in here. He asked Alvin three times if he wanted to die. When he asked the third time, he pulled the gun from his pants pocket and pointed it at Alvin telling him to eat the hamburger. Alvin ate the burger and offered to pay for it, but the waiter refused the money (25 cents). When Alvin and his schoolmates crossed Highway 431 to return to the RCTS campus, their schoolmates were waiting. They informed their classmates about the potentially deadly encounter.

Alvin and three of his schoolmates traveled to Wedowee, Alabama, the county seat of Randolph County located about 15 miles away, to file a criminal complaint against the owner of the Ranch Café. The clerk of the court took the complaint and Alvin and his friends returned to the RCTS campus. After the passage of several weeks, Alvin and his mother, Lillie Mae Thornton who was employed at the Wehadkee Yarn Mill in Rock Mills, Alabama, were called to the courthouse and the case was summarily dismissed by the circuit court judge. As the school year continued, there was no discussion of the potentially deadly encounter among teachers. Doing so would have violated a provision of their Alabama teachers’
contract, which prohibited any engagement with students involved in sit-in activities.

Earnestine and Alvin Thornton observing the WWI monument in Wedowee that includes the name Grover Cleveland Baker, their grandfather’s brother.

It is ironic that a World War I Memorial Monument is located directly across from the courthouse where the case was summarily dismissed. The monument includes the names of Randolph County soldiers who died in World War 1. Their names are separated by race, the names of White soldiers on the east side of the monument and the names of Black (colored) soldiers on the West – separated in life and death.

For Alvin Thornton, that one experience probably taught him more about WHO HE WAS at that time, and who he was destined to become — and I would wager, continues to define and shape the Dr. Thornton that we know and love today. Such an encounter could have easily left him bitter, inert, hopeless, fearful; or worst case scenario -- DEAD. Yet he arose...

ON TO MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

Lillie Mae (Baker) Thornton

From R.C.T.S. Alvin traveled to Atlanta, Georgia where he enrolled at Morehouse College. How well do I recall, his mother whom we lovingly called "Cousin Lillie Mae" being so concerned and consumed with his struggles to educate himself, that she left home, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be close to him during his matriculation at Morehouse — so she could support him in every way possible. As I think of her now, and remember that time in her life, I see the epitome of motherhood; I see tenacity; steadfastness; and the image of that strong African queen, Hatshepsut; or the persistence of Winnie Mandella. Upon completion of his enrollment at Morehouse, he earned the Bachelor Of Arts Degree.

We dare not mention the prestigious Morehouse College, without mentioning the eminent Dr. Benjamin E. Mays?

Born August 1, 1894, Benjamin Elijah Mays was a native South Carolinian, born the son of former slaves.   Yet he rose from the ashes of slavery to become a prominent Baptist minister and renowned American Civil Rights Leader who is credited with laying the intellectual foundations of the American civil rights movement.

Dr. Mays is probably best known for his long-standing tenure of service as the President of Atlanta's prestigious Morehouse College, where he had close encounters with some of the most intellectual and prestigious influencers of our time — among them: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Julian Bond, and Maynard Jackson, just to name a few.   His nearly 30-year tenure as President of Morehouse probably served to usher him to the height of his influence as a leader in religion, education, and civil rights.

Even after Dr. Mays' retirement as President of Morehouse College, he remained active, serving a 9 years long tenure on the Atlanta Board Of Education.

A tribute dedicated to Dr. Mays, entitled "Dr. Benjamin E. Mays — A Brief History" presented on the Atlanta Public Schools website about Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta reads: "In every facet of Mays’ career, he excelled and was held in the highest regard as an educator and community leader. As recognition for his influence in education and racial equality, Mays received more than 65 honors and awards from state, national, and international organizations and served as a member, representative, and official of more than 18 national and international organizations. He also delivered addresses to more than 250 colleges and universities in the United States." (https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/domain/3263).

Dr. Alvin Thornton stands beside a portrait of early mentor, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. Former President of Morehouse College, Altanta, GA

Ending a remarkable era of educational and spiritual enlightenment for hundreds, perhaps thousands of young black intellectuals, Dr. Mays' March 28, 1984 transition from this life marked the end a period of influence, advancement and achievement second to none.

Alvin reflects on his own encounters with Dr. Mays in this way:   "Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, three-term President of Morehouse College, and spiritual mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a major inspiration to me...

I was in the last class (1967) that he recruited to Morehouse College, helping rescue me from the vice-grip of George Wallace led Jim Crow racial segregation and discrimination in Alabama. I am thankful.  In these times, we need President Mays' student and leadership development vision."

It is such larger-than-life men as Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, who set the example, thereby putting his stamp upon Dr. Thornton, making a colossal impression upon him — helping to shape who he has become today.

I still have vivid memories, during those years — of my father, lecturing him about getting as much education as possible; going as far as he could go. I'm sure Alvin probably grew tired of my father who was often both redundant and incessant in giving him that motivational "push" in the direction of law — as he did me, too; and Howard University was unquestionably the "gold standard" for any black scholar going into the practice of law.

From Morehouse, Alvin did go on to attend Howard University, where he worked diligently on his PhD in Political Science. He also pursued post-graduate study at The University Of Michigan. As he advanced academically, he was blessed with opportunities to teach at the college level at Morgan State University in Baltimore and ultimately at his Alma Mater, our beloved HBCU, Howard University.

Dr. Alvin Thornton and Mrs. Annette (Heflin) Thornton

Roughly five years after their graduation from R.C.T.S. in 1967 (April 10, 1972) Dr. Thornton married the love of his life and high-school sweetheart, Annette Heflin, also a hometown girl. They settled in the Maryland/D.C. area, where they have resided ever since. Dr. Thornton became a part of the education culture surrounding Howard, Georgetown, Morgan State, and other DC area institutions of higher education. They have remained life-long partners. They are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Kenya and Octavia and four grandchildren. To date, their fifty-one-year partnership has withstood the test of time.

1973-May-17 [The Roanoke Leader] Alvin Thornton Earns His PhD

Included here is an image of the May 17, 1973 article that appeared in the hometown newspaper reporting the award of his PhD from Howard University in Washington, DC. How Ironic do you think it is that this article was published in our local newspaper on the Anniversary of the Historic Brown vs Board Of Education Supreme Court Decision?

As a long-time member of the faculty at his prestigious Alma Marta, over the years, Dr. Thornton literally rose through the ranks to be named Provost and Senior Advisor to the President of Howard University.

No matter how far he advanced academically, professionally, or socially, one thing remained constant. And that was, his on-going interest in being a substantially contributing member of his home town community.

NEVER BACKED DOWN FROM A FIGHT

Having the spirit of a noble warrior, I have never known Dr. Thornton to back down from a fight or refuse to take on a worthy opponent of Black people, if he felt he could effectively and eloquently do so.

During the recent historic confirmation hearings for Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson, he reminisced " Thirty-one years ago, I was outside the Judiciary Committee hearing room in 1991 protesting Clarence Thomas' confirmation..."
Sharing a copy of the Spring of 1992 Government & Politics Newsletter, the official voice of the Department of Political Science for Howard University, Washington, DC, in it, Dr. Thornton had written a scholarly article entitled "Justice Thomas and the 1991 Civil Rights Act." In it, he reflected on Thomas' historic nomination and confirmation, and the threat it posed to the Black Community and our nation.

In 1994, Dr. Thornton was privileged to be part of a delegation of "international observers" from Howard University, who helped provide a "world presence" during the historic elections. By this time, he was also serving as Chairman of the Prince George's County Board of Education in Virginia. This historic pilgrimage was memorialized in the June 1994 edition of the Roanoke Leader.

AN OUTSPOKEN ADVOCATE FOR EDUCATION

Joe Francaviglia, former Executive Director of Strong Schools Maryland, said of him: "Dr. Thornton has dedicated his life and service to the people of Maryland and Prince George's County. He is a champion of Maryland's children and when he speaks, we all should listen and take note."

Bruce Depuyt has described Dr. Thornton as "an outspoken advocate for enhanced funding for school systems in lower-income communities."

According to The Washington Post, "Thornton served on the school board in the 1990s and was chairman for three one-year terms during a long career in public life and at Howard, where he was a political scientist for 37 years and held a number of senior administrative posts."

In a December 5, 2018 article that appeared in "Maryland Matters" a nonprofit publication focused on Maryland government and politics, Depuyt reflected back on 1999, when Dr. Thornton was appointed by then-Governor Parris N. Glendening (D) to chair a controversial Commission on Education Finance, Equity and Excellence, which became known as the "Thornton Commission."   Under Dr. Alvin Thornton's leadership, the commission created an aid formula to ensure that school systems around Maryland had the resources necessary to meet the constitutional requirement for a quality education.   So effective was his leadership that again in 2018, Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks insisted on bringing him back to again lead the County Board Of Education.

Even more recently, another education plan known as Kirwan aka "Blueprint for Maryland's Future" gave rise to what appears to be the continuing controversy revolving around education spending. In a Baltimore Sun Commentary published February 5, 2020, Dr. Thornton admonished lawmakers to seize the opportunity to act decisively by approving the plan in its entirety. However, as we would expect, there were many arguments both for and against coming from various facets of the community.

Whether teaching at the college level, writing a political commentary, protesting alongside classroom teachers, or lobbying for adequate funding for public schools, Dr. Thornton has distinguished himself as a friend and strong vociferous proponent for the education America's children.   In a recent public appeal to support educators he said:

               "I am who I am because of teachers. And so, whatever future we envision for our communities and our children — I have three
               grandchildren, in public education; Public education educated my two daughters excellently! They educated me; so there is no
               future without that; and there's no future without teachers, who are the primary source — foundation of our democracy...
               Because they teach FIRST; and they teach fundamental values..."

In 2016, Dr. Thornton ran for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Maryland's 4th Congressional District. He withdrew from the race before the primary. Although there is no reason provided for his withdrawal, knowing him as I do, I'm sure it was related to family issues, as his Father-In-Law — The Reverend R.L. Heflin — who had fallen ill, passed from this life in that year.

It is my sincere belief that the longer he has lived; the more he has experienced; and the farther he has traveled away from his hometown roots, the more appreciative he has grown for those beginnings, and how significantly they impacted his life.

RETURNING HOME

While still young and energetic, he has remained persistent in making the drive back to his roots in Alabama from the D.C. area to Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama, sharing whenever asked or invited. And the invitations were many. Over time, the entire community grew in their respect for his knowledge, and for remaining a steadfast "hometown boy".

In this article from the Roanoke Leader archives, Dr. Thornton was slated to address the area's Baptist Association on both days of the convention. On the first day, he would present a slide show, detailing "A black man's experience in West Africa." The second day he would be the featured speaker for the layman's program. At this particular time, he had already earned his PhD, and was serving at Morgan State University in Washington, DC . He always took tremendous pride in being recognized as a 1967 graduate of the Historic Randolph County Training School in Roanoke.

THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION

Wilkie Clark, Dr. Alvin Thornton, AND Reverend Lathonia Wright

With respect to my many and varied encounters with Dr. Alvin Thornton, one of the most pivotal moments for me, occurred on a New Year's Day. I don't recall the year. But, what I do recall very well is that it was one of his very first occasions returning home at the invitation of my father, to be the Keynote Speaker at an Annual Emancipation Proclamation Program.

As a long-standing local NAACP President, my father made the effort to stage Annual Emancipation Proclamation Observances as a part of the Branch's annual calendar of events. However, in the 50's and 60's, and even the early 70's (in our community at least), attendance at these programs was poor. I remember as a child, going with my father to Emancipation Proclamation Programs, and having only five people in attendance; sometimes as few as three. As a young adult, I sensed the reluctance, and the hesitancy of most black people to support these observances as they regarded such activities as subversive. All whites in the south considered the NAACP as a Subversive Organization. However, we understood that black people's thinking was driven by a complete absence of knowledge and understanding of or exposure to black civil rights.

Without a doubt, I knew my father had been bursting at the seams to get Alvin back to Roanoke, to give the black community a sneak peek at his captivating oratorical prowess.

So, he did come home that year. And the Emancipation proclamation program was well attended. That day, Dr. Alvin Thornton spoke to a full house. My epiphany occurred during his address, when he began to talk about our identity as a black people. It was from that point forward, that I was captivated. I just wish to GOD, I had the vocabulary and the memory to re-write his message verbatim! He taught from his platform — that day — using that same context of education to drive his message. He began to build this concept and paint a vivid — inspiring — portrait of "WHO WE ARE" reminiscing about school days and using R.C.T.S. as a point of reference. He talked about the fact that we were "bulldogs!" And what it meant to be a bulldog. And this is how we were known and recognized. He spoke further about the pride we took in being called "bulldogs." He talked about the black community's pride in ownership in "our school!" In sharp contrast to being forced to become something other than "bulldogs." He talked about why it's not good to be the kind of Negro who scratches where there's no itch; and laughs when nothing is funny; or acts like a clown to humor the white man. For me, it was a FIRST. It was the first time I had EVER heard a message that empowering, and received it with such clarity. What I remember well is that Dr. Alvin Thornton opened many eyes that day. I believe a seed was planted in Roanoke, Alabama on THAT day, that served to illuminate everyone who attended and help them understand why we as black communities needed to stage these Annual Celebrations — so as not to forget WHO WE ARE. In subsequent years, the Emancipation Proclamation Observance began to grow in popularity in our communities.

Not knowing what God had in store, this would be but one of many such trips back home for Dr. Thornton.

THE AMBITIOUS R.C.T.S. LEGACY & REUNION PROJECT

L.C., Gene, Earnestine & Alvin

Thornton Siblings: L.C., Gene, Earnestine, and Alvin

For as far back as I can remember, Alvin LOVED to reminisce about school days. His visits home were always exciting, because he loved, remembered, and enjoyed seeing everybody from home. His conversation lit up like a Christmas tree with talk of the teachers, and questions about how this one or that one was doing. He could keep up with schoolmates better than Walter Winchell — remember their names, what they were doing, where they went to school — EVERYTHING!   On second thought, maybe not Walter Winchell. Because Alvin always brought the positive news about people. NEVER the negative or embarrassing news (even if he knew it, he ignored it).

One story that he often tells, that always gives me a laugh, was about my mother, who was his sixth (6th) grade teacher at R.C.T.S. There were two (2) sections of the sixth grade class in the Elementary department. My mother, Mrs. Clark, taught one of the sections; and Mrs. Alma Outland taught the other. In later years, Mrs. Mayme Wilkerson taught the other section of sixth graders. Dr. Thornton recalls "I was sitting in Mrs. Outland's classroom; but when Hattie P. found out, she was not having it! She walked next door to Mrs. Outland's classroom and peering through the door, said in her stern manner of speaking, "Alvin, get your books and come on. You're coming to my class."" She was not going to have anybody else teaching her cousins. We all knew the deal. Mama knew all the Thornton kids were bright and intelligent, and she didn't trust anybody else to working with those brilliant minds. I vaguely recall them having a process for determining which students were assigned to which classrooms. But every time Alvin would tell that story, my brain, could conjure up the funniest mental images of my mother, in her commanding way, ordering young Thornton to relocate to her classroom. It was SO LIKE HER!! At R.C.T.S. mama was "large and in charge!"

Most of the time when he would travel from DC to Roanoke, he was going to stop in just to say "hello" and to let you see him, and see how he's doing and THEN, engage you in some "real (substantive) talk!"

As if Dr. Thornton wasn't ALREADY inundated with enough professional responsibility; appointed positions; and public service work, he now had the audacity to take on — what many consider to be — his most aggressive and ambitious project EVER. But, thankfully, this time he would have plenty of help, since his three elder siblings, Lonnie, Gene and Earnestine were all in.   It is my sincere belief that this major undertaking was probably years in the making. I sense that Alvin had had a life-long love-affair with the school experience. Of course, having worked in the sphere of higher education for years, enhanced his ability to make some very significant and revealing discoveries about our early experiences in the segregated school system that needed to be shared! There seemed to be a deep sense of urgency where that was concerned.    In my heart, I believe it might have been around 2004 or thereabouts, that both his emotional and foundational bond with the Randolph County Training School (R.C.T.S.), was tugging on his heartstrings as it had been FOR YEARS. So, at some point in time, he conceived this idea of a monumental historical tribute to the legacy of this grand institution — of which he along with all of his siblings were products.   Aside from that every African American in our community who had ever lived within proximity of our community — who had ever left here and achieved anything of importance — were products — AND PROUDLY SO! So, I believe this idea of taking a much-needed— decades overdue — long stroll down memory lane had began to grow based on all of these revelations.   This would be a massive, all-encompassing acknowledgment of our beloved institution — The Randolph County Training School which we all affectionately called R.C.T.S and all that it did for the generations who walked its hallowed halls. This work would entail, not only a biography, but also an obituary, as well as a eulogy. It would recollect as well as memorialize it's opening and mourn its closing — which in essence none of us had ever had an opportunity to do. It would work to reverse decades of amnesia among both a forgetful black constituent, AND a white community who never cared enough to even pay attention — and ultimately serve as a grand memorial to what we all regarded as the greatest institution in the world — R.C.T.S. The school we all attended under the Doctrine of "Separate But Equal".

This project would entail a "deep dive" into the inner machinery of that little engine that I referred to earlier as the "Little Engine That Could" — our beloved Alma Mata — the now well-known Randolph County Training School (R.C.T.S.). Not only was it a dive into the institution itself, but it was a dive into the driving forces behind it — that propelled it forward in time, and gave it its unbelievable velocity beginning in 1919 until it's abrupt and heart-breaking end in 1970.

When one surveys the mountain of evidence and documentation that Dr. Thornton and his siblings amassed concerning the Randolph County Training School, not only is the history of an institution revealed; but the sheer determination, tenacity and willpower of a community of people striving for and committed to the goal of excellence and advancement through their unified efforts to pursue the education and enlightenment of its children during an era in which so many forces were determined to deny it.

AND BEHOLD!  After a relentless quest to unearth and resurrect the institution that white Randolph Countians, Federal Judges, Desegregation Orders, it's previously segregated white counterparts — Roanoke City and Randolph County Schools — and various other citizens had tried to silence for nearly 36 years, the seal on that decades-old vault was broken and it's story — no longer silenced — came forth with such brilliance and magnificence that could not be denied.

The end product was a beautiful DVD Video Documentary and accompanying Manuscript. The DVD presents a comprehensive oral (AND WRITTEN) history of the institution, from it's earliest beginnings in 1919, through it's closing in 1970. Co-Produced by the four Thornton siblings with the support of the entire complement of R.C.T.S. former teachers, principals, students and friends of the institution, it tells the spellbinding story of the school, the communities surrounding it, as well as the foundations upon which it rested.

So overwhelming and impactful was the support by blacks who are native to Roanoke and Randolph County, that white counterparts in our community, many of whom never had an inkling of the educational endeavors, struggles or achievements of blacks in our communities, were forced to sit up and take notice.

It would be titled "Behind These Silent Walls" which they took straight from my mother's 1970 "Letter To The Editor" of the Roanoke Leader, which she titled "Farewell To The Randolph County Training School" after the Lee Vs. Macon County Desegregation Order closed the school down. A direct and much beloved outgrowth of this major production, was The Randolph County Training School Scholarship Foundation. The Scholarship Foundation is comprised of all the Alumni, past faculty, staff, and administrators of R.C.T.S. who have given generously and without reservation in support of the ongoing work Dr. Thornton and siblings have done to reclaim the illustrious history of the institution.

Continuing sales of the "Behind These Silent Walls" DVD Documentary and Scholarly Manuscript, supported by continuing contributions from school alumni and generous donations for others outside the inner circle of school family, have yielded many many fruit.

Dr. Thornton has continued to keep the Legacy of The Randolph County Training School alive through the Facebook Platform, where he maintains a Group page, entitled "R.C.T.S. Legacy and Reunion." In the eighteen (18) years since he and his siblings produced the "Behind These Silent Walls" DVD Documentary, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded one hundred scholarships to students who are descendants of R.C.T.S. Students and Alumni.
NOTE: Please visit this link to learn how you can support the Randolph County Training School Scholarship Initiative through the Clark Memorial Foundation [Wilkie & Hattie P. Clark Scholars program].

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2015: "PERHAPS: THE WEHADKEE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH STORY"
(1876-2014)

Another notably inspiring local project that is the brainchild of Dr. Thornton, is the story entitled "PERHAPS: The Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church Story". As Dr. Thornton describes the work: "It is the story of Perhaps, the church home of the Bakers, Thorntons, Fosters, Bells, Pates, Almonds, Heards, Tatums, and many others. Producing it was a labor of love."

In it, Dr. Thornton, again assisted by his siblings, Lonnie, Earnestine and Gene, brings a fresh new meaning to the cliche' "a picture is worth a thousand words."

The DVD is a beautiful and unprecedented pictorial production of the history of a small rural church situated in rural Randolph County, Alabama. Narrated by Dr. Thornton, himself, the story of Wehadkee's beginnings unfold. Within its dramatic opening we read: "The Perhaps Story is presented through classic pictures and the shared precious memories of church elders and other members." Perhaps captures the essence of the black church in its purest form.

When discussing the production, his motivation is clear: "All of our our children should know the story of Perhaps: The Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church. The African American family, community, church, and school; revolutionary love, making a way out of no way; the spirituality and religion of our ancestors have a right to live on in the consciousness of their descendants as they seek to make a better way for themselves." To that I SAY: "A — MEN!"

Dr. Thornton's description of the DVD reads:
"The history of the rural African American community, it's accomplishments, trials and tribulations, is significantly within the walls of its churches — the sermons of their pastors; the prayers of their deacons and mothers; the hopes, play and development of their children; and their civic activism to advance human rights. Driving along the rural roads of southern communities, they suddenly appear as stately small buildings surrounded by their cemeteries that contain the physical remains of their community's ancestors. One such church is the Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church. This DVD tells the story of the Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church, a rural African American church located in Randolph County, Alabama. It covers the period 1874 to 2014 and includes information about its founding, its historic church bell, baptismal walking processionals; the visionary individuals who created the church; the historical environment in which the church developed; the dedicated men who served as its ministers and deacons; the mothers of the Church; homecoming and church anniversaries; the Wehadkee School that met the educational needs of the community's children; it's choirs and missionary societies, and the church's historic families and their close relationships. Classic pictures and testimonial are included. In Randolph County, Alabama and throughout America, there are many rural churches like the Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church. They served and continue to serve as places of worship and refuge for people in search of spiritual salvation, redemption and community. Their stories need to be told and their histories preserved as a source of strength and identity for their children and part of the larger African American Saga in the United States."

Having personally viewed the DVD, I can certainly say: viewers will be mesmerized by the compelling manner in which Thornton narrates the history of a little wooden church in Randolph County, Alabama and brings it to life in pictures. I found it especially moving when I met various people from my own past. The documentary will truly take you back in time and bring you into the present in a poignant and powerful way.

To view an excerpt please visit this link...

The DVD Documentary remains available for sale, to support the Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church in Roanoke. For more information or to purchase a copy, please contact Dr. Alvin Thornton at a [email protected]

Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church 1216 County Road 310, Roanoke, Alabama 36274

THE BAKERS: A GREAT RANDOLPH COUNTY, ALABAMA, AMERICAN AND AFRICAN DIASPORA FAMILY
1805 — 2018

Climbing Jacob & Caroline's Ladder

The next awesome creation that Dr. Thornton has given us is an amazing photographic publication entitled: "THE BAKERS: A GREAT RANDOLPH COUNTY, ALABAMA, AMERICAN AND AFRICAN DIASPORA FAMILY 1805 — 2018!" Again, he astounds us with a ninety-page family tribute, comprised of a pictorial production like none other, depicting the descendants of Jacob and Caroline Baker. This masterpiece, he co-produced along with his young grandson, Miles A. Terrance.

When I first laid eyes on this booklet, I immediately drew it toward my heart, and embraced it tightly, knowing that I would hold on to it forever, because it would serve as the road-map that I never had; but my children and future generations of grandchildren can refer to, to know who they are and where they came from.

Never in my life had I ever had any such a resource to help me know my family. But, what we did have all along the way, was the stories that we'd sit around my father, and his siblings, and listen to, as they talked about their mother Luella, and her brothers, Willie Baker, Andrew Jackson "Uncle Jack" Baker, Syler Vester (Sylvester) "Uncle Vest" Baker, John "Uncle John" Baker, Grover Cleveland "Uncle Cleve" Baker, Eddie Benjamin Baker, and L. Morgan "Uncle Morgan" Baker.

There set front-and-center of the cover page is my great grandmother, Lizzie Turner Baker — the midwife and nurse who delivered many of the babies born into this family. The mother of my grandmother, Luella Baker. Flipping through the pages of this cherished keep-sake are so many memories of days gone by... past family gatherings and reunions, funerals, weddings, and other events that often brought the Bakers together and sealed the bond that has held us tightly.

Well, DOC... You did it again!

CONCLUSION

November 8, 2023: Dr. Thornton receives Lifetime Achievement Award from The Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable

To his credit, Dr. Alvin Thornton has amassed an incredible number of accomplishments and titles, related to his lifelong love and commitment to the fields of education and political science.

First and foremost, he has labored professionally in the field of higher education, from the classroom to the boardroom. His professional career actually began in the field of politics, where he held the title of Congressional Fellow and Legislative Assistant while working for Congressman John Conyers. Then moving to the province of education, he held titles such as Associate Professor, Professor, Associate Dean, Department Chairman, Associate Provost, Interim Provost, Senior Advisor, and Chief Academic Officer — while employed initially at Morgan State University, and eventually his beloved Alma Mater, Howard University.

Dr. Thornton's activism and outspokenness concerning public issues — with particular regard to education — have been equally as impressive. He has served in numerous spheres of influence related to public education, including serving as a Gubernatorial Appointee to Maryland's State Commission on Education Finance and Equity, Adequacy and Excellence, (1999-2001); and membership on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education; and the Prince George's County Board of Education, where he was elected as chair three (3) times. Maryland, College summit's and

Dr. Thornton is the recipient of well over 30 prestigious awards for leadership, community service and Distinguished Service in various fields of Education, Political Science and Research. His most recent award was a Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable with two other recipients, Ken Michael and Milt Peterson. This award was given "For 50 years of service and leadership for the people of Prince George's County and Maryland, especially in the areas education equality and equity and the elimination of racial discrimination."

He has both authored and co-authored a significant number of major reports focused on education, achievement, quality education, and similar topics to add to his long list of interests and accomplishments.

In addition to his major works, he also finds time to make his way back to Roanoke Alabama, whenever the opportunity presents itself. And each subsequent visit has proven fruitful.

Academically, socially, and as a mere human being, Dr. Thornton has risen to heights some might have considered impossible. Yet the one aspect of his life-long success that I believe Wilkie Clark would be MOST proud of today, and would claim huge bragging rights to, is the extent to which he has remained so closely connected in a substantive way to his home-town; and the huge impact that has resulted from maintaining that connection.

Amazingly, on his many pilgrimages back home to Randolph County, Alabama, he has managed to teach our community many valuable lessons that I hope we learned well. Perhaps they weren't the kinds of lessons he would have taught us in Law, or Political Science at the University. But they are lessons we can take with us to eternity and lessons that we can leave behind for our descendants. They are lessons about loving and appreciating home — our humble beginnings; lessons about loving and appreciating our deeply rooted connection to our churches; lessons about love of family and love and respect for the elders, and for our tribe — the way our Ancestors did.

"God's Minute"
A powerful motivational powerful poem written by
By Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays

I have only just one minute
Only sixty seconds in it
Forced upon me, can't refuse it
Didn't seek it. didn't choose it.
But it's up to me to use it
I must suffer if I lose it
Give account if I abuse it
Just a tiny little minute
but eternity is in it.

IMPORTANT LINKS RELATED TO DR. ALVIN THORNTON

Ballotpedia, ballotpedia.org/Alvin_Thorntonhttps://ballotpedia.org/Alvin_Thornton
(Ballotpedia is an encyclopedia of American Politics, that summarizes political candidacies)

Collier, Zshekinah. Maryland's 20-year education reform journey from "The Bridge to Excellence" to the Blueprint. WYPR-88.1 FM Baltimore. Published February 8, 2023 at 6:00 AM EST

DePuyt, Bruce. "The Return Of Alvin Thornton" Maryland Matters December 5, 2018. www.marylandmatters.org/2018/12/05/the-return-of-alvin-thornton/

Greater Washington Community Foundation
https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/celebration-honorees

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HigherEdJobs.com is a site that simply provides a database of Individuals having careers in institutions of higher education. HigherEdJobs is described as the leading source for jobs and career information in academia. More colleges and universities trust HigherEdJobs to recruit faculty and administrators than any other source. Each month their site is visited by more than 1.6 million higher education professionals who rely not only on its comprehensive list of jobs, but also on our news and career advice.
https://www.higheredjobs.com/HigherEdCareers/authorBio.cfm?authorID=50&articleID=257

Thornton, Alvin and Gooden, Karen Lesla Williams. "Like A Phoenix I'll Rise: A History Of African Americans in PG County."

Thornton, Dr. Alvin. "Maryland lawmakers should learn from my education plan and fully fund Kirwan"
The Baltimore Sun Commentary. Feb 05, 2020.

St. George, Donna. "New Leader Tapped For Maryland Board after controversies."
The Washington Post. December 5, 2018.

Thornton, Alvin. "Justice Thomas and the 1991 Civil Rights Act."
Government & Politics Newsletter, Spring, 1992.
(The official voice of the Department of Political Science for Howard University, Washington, DC)

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Wikipedia Listing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Thornton

Clark HISTORIC LANDMARK SITE Roanoke, Alabama

tHE lIFE AND cONTRIBUTIONS of dR. aLVIN tHORNTON