Eric Brumfield A Role Model and Mentor

Eric Brumfield
Photo Credit: Connor LaCoste

At the young age of 15 years old, Eric experienced tragedy struck. While participating in one of the various sports that he love and gave considerable efforts, he suffered a catastrophic spinal injury that left him a quadriplegic. After such an experience, the potential for hopelessness and despair can overtake one's life. With support from family, friend, the community and my faith in God, he  gracefully persevering.

In 2014, Eric was a candidate to become a school board member of the Tangipahoa Parish School System. He didn't allow defeat in the race to stop his progress. Being defeated was not an option for Eric.  "The passion for enriching the lives of the youth in my town and surrounding communities in my driving force," said Eric. This summer marked the fourth year for the enrichment camp that Eric spearhead. I had an opportunity to visit the camp this year, I found the students very engaged in their camp activities and the camper leaders working hard with the campers.

The summer campers are striving for academic excellence, enjoying field trips and learning financial

Literacy. Eric and staff were excited about the upcoming college tour of Tuskegee University, Georgia Tech, and other colleges. Although he did not complete the coursework to attain his college degree immediately after high school. He is inspired and has enrolled in college to complete his studies that he started.

Eric didn't allow losing the election for school board member stop him from working hard provide educational opportunities for our youth. He is one of the hardest working people I know. He doesn't allow his physical challenges to stop him. The community of Kentwood appreciates all that he does for our children and our community. Eric will never know just how much he has impacted the lives of generations to come because he chose to help mentor one child.  Eric could have allowed his disability challenged to stop him. But he decided not to allow it to get in his way. He is committed to our youth in our community. 

This summer the campers went to Avery Island, Louisiana to visit the Tabasco company. Nicolette Gordon and Eric spend a lot of long hours working on exciting educational field trips for our children. They are a powerful team that is preparing our youth for greatness. 

The fact that they didn't wait for anyone else to come in and start a summer camp for the youth. They

Avery Island, Louisiana
Photo Credit: Nicolette Gordon

realized it wasn't going to happen if they didn't do it. Eric is truly a role model, and he is aware how important it is for children to have role models and mentors.

I attended my first meeting as a newly appointed board member for the Louisiana Statewide Independent Council and I had to inform the board about the work that Eric is doing in the Town of Kentwood. 

Eric wants to expose our youth to other places, cultures, travels, and food. He knows that traveling and being expose are part of educational process. Many schools in our parish do not take the children on fields trips. Eric understand the valuable learning experiences outside the classroom is important for our children.