LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — For the first time, the Lyric Theater hosted an event called "Seeing is Believing."
It's a career showcase of African-American leaders in the community.
Ten panelists spoke to the children about how they overcame opticals to achieve their career goals.
One of the panelists was Dr. Jai Gilliam, a local pediatrician who says he knows first hand how powerful events like this can be.
"I remember when I was in second grade, seeing a black doctor and the influence that positive image had on me was tremendous. So being a mentor, being a role model, seeing positive images I think that's so important," said Dr. Gilliam.
Not all of the panelists said they had role models who led the way for them though.
Anthany Beatty, was Lexington's first African-American police chief, and he says he wants these kids to know it won't always be easy but they can do it.
"There will be obstacles, there will be challenges, there will be opportunities with those challenges, and you have to figure out how to overcome those obstacles to become successful," said Beatty.
Their message was received. Glenn Batchanga is a Tates Creek Middle Schooler and he says the skills he learned today he will take with him for the rest of his life.
"If they can do it, I can probably do it, they can inspire me to do bigger than what I thought of doing first," said Batchanga.
