What do the late Wilda L. Wilson and Assata Shakur have in common? LaRhonda L. Wilson, a 2012 Excellence in Education recipient, says her mother and the former Black Panther shared a common love of people. She learned from her mother that “love was the best way to approach people” and she loved Shakur’s strength and decency.
Wilson, assistant professor and program coordinator of anthropology and sociology at St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley, is passionate about social issues. “If we took the discipline of sociology more seriously, we could resolve so many issues in this world,” she said.
In 2000, Wilson first taught adult male inmates at Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center. In an effort to decrease recidivism, inmates had an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree through Lake Land Community College in Mattoon, Ill.
“Somebody is more likely to hire someone who’s been to prison who has an associate’s as opposed to someone who doesn’t,” she said. When she encountered a “challenging” student, she gave him two options. “Either stay in the class and participate as a student or go back to the yard,” she said.
The following year, she began teaching sociology and anthropology part-time at St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley and SLCC – Forest Park. In 2003, she taught part-time at Washington University’s George Warren School of Social Work.
“She knows what matters, and she spends an enormous amount of energy and intellect trying to help students achieve their educational goals,” said Nancy Linzy, dean of Liberal Arts at SLCC – Florissant Valley. “We feel that this recognition is extremely well-deserved. We, at St. Louis Community College, feel fortunate to have someone of her caliber in the classroom.”
In 2010, Linzy nominated Wilson for North County, Inc.’s “30 Leaders in their 30s” award. Additional past honors include “Who’s Who in Black St. Louis” and the Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) “Unsung Hero of Human Rights” award in 2007.
As Service Learning Program coordinator, which blends education and community service, she connects students to environmental activities, school district programs, services for children and families and communities of poverty.
“She’s a champion of Service Learning,” Linzy said. “Not only as a device for advancing social justice issues, but also for educating students about how to become good citizens.”
Last year, Wilson co-founded Florissant Valley’s Social Justice Club, which has welcomed documentary filmmakers and national activists.
Wilson earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology and a duel Master’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. She’s a member of the Missouri Sociological Association and the American Sociological Association. She’s affiliated with OBS and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Wilson did not begin her career as a teacher but in the social service field. She worked with youth in the foster care system at the Annie Malone Children and Family Center. Wilson’s mission was keeping families together and finding permanent homes for children in the State’s foster system. According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, there were 10,174 children in the custody of the Children’s Division as of December 31, 2010.
After a year, she left Annie Malone and worked for several adoption agencies. She experienced a major accomplishment as director of the Adoption Exchange-St. Louis Office. She spear-headed an adoption recruitment campaign that increased Missouri adoptions, among children awaiting adoption in the state’s foster care system, by 110 percent in 2006.
“Although I’m not in the field anymore, you can still find me recruiting foster and adoptive parents,” she said.
“When people think of me or my legacy, I want them to think of peace,” she said – “fostering the kind of understanding that can lead to the genuine respect and love for themselves and their neighbors.”
