Thornton visits UWG to celebrate Black history in business | Times Georgian

“We were thrilled to have Mr. Thornton join us and share his inspiring journey during our Black History in Business Luncheon,” said Dr. Christopher Johnson, dean of the Richards College of Business and Sewell Chair for Private Enterprise. “His insights into resilience and determination serve as invaluable lessons for our students and community, especially as we celebrate Black History Month.”

Thornton seeks to inspire those lacking belief in their futures by voicing the lessons he has learned during his life and career. One of the earliest lessons was taught to him by his high school English teacher, who introduced the idea of a college education and Thornton’s immense potential.

He went from struggling through the integration of Montgomery’s Goodwyn Middle School in 1967 to graduating from Alabama State University in 1976 and later being named chairman of ASU’s board of trustees, a true example of overcoming in the face of adversity.

The experiences he accumulated taught him to question, “How can we take atrocities, learn, and become better for it?”

“There is something about getting back up after embarrassments, humiliations and wounds that make winning that much sweeter,”…