Mentor Takes Lowcountry Teens to Witness Inauguration

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy continues to live well past his death. In his famous speech, he dreamt of a day that Blacks not be judged by the color of their skin, but rather the content of their character. So it's no assumption to say King would be proud of what our nation will witness Tuesday when the first African American to be elected President of the United States of America will take the oath of office.

We've shared stories of many of your neighbors headed to the inauguration, excited to witness this moment in history. Sunday, four Lowcountry teenagers got that opportunity of a lifetime, thanks to their mentor who hopes they'll bring back more reason to persevere.

They're no kin, but they have a bond just as strong. All African American males, determined to reach true success; the kind that's measured by character and charisma. Perhaps they'll bring back a dose through this journey, a trip to witness President-elect Barack Obama become a first among African Americans.

"Plenty of people waited to see this happen and I'm glad my Grandma gets to see this day," Darnell Williams of Hilton Head said.

You could say this opportunity is sort-of a "pay-it-forward" project of Kelvin Peoples. Growing up he had men who mentored him, and he thought this experience could do wonders for the teens.

"Five years ago, no one could imagine an African American becoming the president of the United States of America. And I just want them to take away from this that anything is possible, that if you position yourself properly, the sky is the limit," Peoples said.

Leaving straight from Sunday service, thoughts of Thanksgiving were already on their minds.

"I feel this is a blessing, and a great opportunity," Just Devure of Ridgeland said.

But the only payback Peoples hopes for is to one day witness their success, after they all witnessed that monumental one together.

"Not because of your skin color, not because of your background, but if you have the inner fortitude to move forward and do anything, it can be done," Peoples said.

The group plans to take lots of pictures along the way and we'll be sure to share the ones we receive right here on WSAV.com.