No matter how complicated our lives seem, whether deeply rooted in unfair treatment or missed opportunities, there are many who are transforming their lives with new horizons and opportunities. That was the late Dr. Ahmed Akinwole Alhamisi, formerly known as Lawrence Graham Jr., one of the Scarboro 85.
His Celebration of Life ceremony was held on October 5, 2024 at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Oak Ridge.
Ahmed Akinwole Alhamisi, formerly known as Lawrence Graham
Dr. Alhamisi was one of the Manhattan Project children who helped change the course of history as one of 85 black students who first integrated schools in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and the Southeast on September 5, 1955. He broke the color barrier again on December 3, 1955, when he was one of the first black student athletes to play with white student athletes in a public school basketball game in the Southeast. By breaking this barrier, he paved the way for athletes to participate in sports at all levels.
When I read his interview in “Tender Warrior,” a book about black-white integration, tears streamed down my face and my mind was completely exhausted. Imagine if someone like Dr. Alhamisi – so gifted with a combination of speed, strength, agility and endurance – would not be able to experience his full potential as an athlete.
He strove to think, act and move forward as a winner. He chose education as his vehicle.
While he earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University in Nashville, a master’s degree in industrial education from Stout State University and later his doctorate in philosophy in vocational education and instructional technology, he did not let what he experienced as a youth traumatize him and turn his life into a to stop. desire to achieve greatness. He continued to have a positive attitude towards himself and everything he undertook – real or imagined. He believed in himself, which was echoed by his children during his Celebration of Life service. His children and family members said he inspired people through education and self-awareness and that he was a loving father, husband, sibling and family member.
“We want the community to embrace him as a gifted artist, poet and author and recognize his contributions through literature that embraces history,” said one of his children. His children shared his contributions to various educational curricula recognized at home and abroad. Looking back through my Berea College archives, as an emerging poet I found myself using some of his works in my possession. I didn’t know that the author I was referring to was my neighbor and one of the Scarboro 85 students.
You could say that Dr. Alhamisi was a Renaissance man who was knowledgeable, educated and skilled in a wide range of fields. Some in my neighborhood remembered him showing off his athletic skills in track, baseball or basketball and hoped that with such a talent he would have the opportunity to share that talent with sports teams. He was recruited by several baseball leagues and competed in Olympic trials.
Kwayu Graham said, “My uncle shared these words with me during the last conversation. ‘Always maintain your mental character; you know what is right and wrong. Be reporters of the truth and be your own dictionary – define who you are. Don’t let others define you. ”
Dr. Ahmed Akinwole Alhamisi knew that opportunity would not prevail, so he applied faith and action so that positive ideas would come to light. He planted the seeds of success and challenged each of us to persevere and exceed all our expectations. A great man. I wish I had the opportunity to talk to this Renaissance man who appreciated the distance he covered.
Longtime Oak Ridge resident Rose Weaver is the city’s poet laureate.
Ahmed Akinwole Alhamisi, formerly known as Lawrence Graham, plays basketball for Oak Ridge High School.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: A great man: A tribute to Ahmed Akinwole Alhamisi
