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JUNE 2017 | SCENE 83 on the town One only needs to look at his impressive resume to see that he’s done a lot with his life. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Barnes Foundation, he oversaw one of greatest private art collections in America. He’s also served as President and CEO of the William Penn Foundation in Philadelphia, as well as Professor of Urban Studies and Urban Education and Academic VP of Temple University. Many accomplishments to be sure, but all taken in stride by this humble man named Bernard Watson.  Growing up during the Depression, he learned to count his blessings, while seizing every opportunity that came his way. A strong desire to learn helped him earn a PhD from the prestigious University of Chicago. He would be named to three Presidential Commissions serving Carter, Clinton and Bush, Sr. Having penned numerous books, including his memoir Colored, Negro, Black; Changing the American Dream, his fight for civil rights has been made with the same determination and dignity of both Rosa Parks and Mrs. Martin Luther King, two iconic civil rights leaders he’s met along the way.  If Dr. Bernard Watson’s life were a film, the score would sound jazzy with lots of ups and some downs. There’d even be a patriotic theme filled with some disruptive horns to show both pride and pain in this man’s life featuring numerous awards, service to his country, and his ascent into higher ranks of top learning institutions. Perhaps most importantly, there would be some sharp-sounding notes symbolizing him as an unsung civil and education rights champion fighting for the rights of blacks, whites and everyone else who make up the fabric in his America. No doubt there would also be some sad notes to remember the loss of his daughter to cancer, whose bright spirit lives in him today. In Dr. Watson’s America, children shine brightest when they take the reins and responsibilities of their own life, and seize opportunities afforded by our living in America. “Be the best,” are words of wisdom and encouragement that still echo in his heart, emanating from his real-life heroes — his mom and dad. As I sat down with this man of letters, I thought I could hear the sound of a faint tenor sax playing in the background and I couldn’t wait to learn as I took a look at some scenes from an interview of his life.  Scenes from AN INTERVIEW Dr. Bernard Watson by Gus Mollasis EDUCATED TO BE THE BEST


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