T. J. McDowell spoke to Lincoln East Rotary about his experiences growing up in Lincoln, NE. Before he spoke about those experiences’ he thanked the Rotary Club for all they do in the community. T. J. was born and raised in Lincoln, NE. Attended Lincoln High School, Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
T. J. told us that his father was born in Centerville, Mississippi, back when the black folk could not work, play or even go to school with the white folk. His father passed away in April of 2022 at the age of 90. During his father’s growing up it was a difficult time. His father came to Nebraska and in 1971 married a white women from Hebron, NE. It was difficult for many people at that time to accept intermarriage relationships. T. J. was born in 1971. His father’s parents lived in Lincoln, but did not accept him. He did not know his mother’s parents at all.
When T.J. started Nebraska Wesleyan University he only lived 2.5 miles away from the campus. He discovered that it was a totally different world when he started college. While at Nebraska Wesleyan he served as Vice President of the student government, did work study work in the Student Affairs office. He told us that he did not start to grow a beard until he was 21. He discovered he had a rare allergy and that beard helped cover up the rash.
While at Nebraska Wesleyan a was called into the Administration Office and told that there was someone who would like to give him a scholarship. He had to keep his grade point average at 3.5 or higher and meet a few other requirements to keep the scholarship. That was a life changer for him, because this person was 84-year-old Dorrie. At the time Nebraska Wesleyan had only three black students. She would meet T.J. for lunch and told him that she would be his grandma. Whenever she introduced him to others, she would say “this is my grandson.”
T.J. got his Masters degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. T. J. currently serves in the office of the Lincoln Mayor. One of the reasons is because of his experience serving our community in the education and the nonprofit sectors is significant. His vast network throughout Lincoln will provide a strong foundation to lead our One Lincoln initiative, our vision of a community where people of every race, religion, culture, class, age, ability, and identity feel understood, enjoy a true sense of belonging and experience equal opportunity to reach their full human potential.”
T.J. transitioned from his role as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for Student Life and Leadership at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has held previous educational positions at Nebraska Wesleyan University and Lincoln Public Schools. He also served as the Executive Director of the Clyde Malone Community Center, Program Manager at the Community Health Endowment, Executive Director of the Lighthouse, and Director of Education Outreach at Lincoln Action Program.
T.J. told us in today’s world we must focus on education, opportunities, health and many of the other issues that we face. That communication is one of the core values that can help us overcome those issues. One way, is how we treat others is what matters.