Current Community Member: Jaquial Durham
Born in Clemson, South Carolina and raised by his grandmother, Jaquial Durham prevailed above familial adversity, which ignited his passion for ensuring that future generations are successful.
Jaquial holds a Bachelor’s degree in African and African American Studies with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Winston-Salem State University. Recently, Jaquial earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University. Currently, working on a post-Master’s degree from Georgetown University.
Durham's research explores the cultural practices between hip-hop music executives and educational leadership, exploring how leadership in hip-hop can be approached and implemented within educational settings.
Since high school, Jaquial has successfully hosted the annual “Jaquial & Community Turkey Drive” for more than seven years, feeding more than 125 households each year during the thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, Mr. Durham has navigated international communities to better understand lived experiences. Jaquial immersed himself in Palestinian and Brazilian communities. His experiences have included teaching, learning and engaging. While in Brasil, Durham studied the inhumane experiences of Afro-Brazilians in the prison system.
Historical Community Member: Ann LaVerne Williams White
From the Lifetime Achievements of Ms. White's funeral program
November 11, 1947 – September 27, 2009
At eighteen years of age, Ann LaVerne graduated from Brewer High School at the top of her class in Hodges, SC and began her journey of higher education at Clemson University. She was one of four African American female students to be accepted to Clemson University during the time of the Civil Rights Movement and struggles. While attending Clemson, she was considered to be a “social butterfly” befriending fellow classmates, and providing food and shelter to those in need. As a part of her educational experiences, she was fortunate to be a part of the Clemson Child Development Center, where she became an important asset to the childcare community.
After graduating from Clemson University with an undergraduate degree in Education/History, she began teaching Chorus, World Geography, and Math. Upon receiving her Masters in Education, she became a dedicated and influential Guidance Counselor at D.W. Daniel High School in Central, SC.
LaVerne continued her quest as an educator in the public school system and the surrounding community for 36 years, and continued to work for the Adult Education Program in Pickens County after retirement.
Being a devoted and committed member of the community, LaVerne served endlessly as a board member of various clubs and organizations throughout South Carolina.
She departed her Earthly home, sowing seeds of encouragement, inspiration, and determination for all of the lives she encountered.