by Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Occupation: Dentist
Background: Salisbury native grew up in the “Jersey City” area. Also lived in upstate New York for 12 years.
Education: Graduated from Livingstone College, graduate study at the College of Saint Rose (Albany, N.Y.), New York University School of Dental Medicine.
Career path/boards: Taught school for a year (Spartanburg), research biologist (New York), went into the public health coordinator program for the state of New York.
Family: Wife Kay Wright Norman, three grown children.
Role models: Parents who were not university trained but had common sense. They taught us the value of education. Dr. W.J. Ezzell and Dr. Evans, (dentist) who took time with Norman.
A quote you live by: “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, it opens the heavens for him.”
What legacy do you want to leave behind: “I enjoyed life, also tried to help people along the way and tried to give back to the community.”
What does Barack Obama’s win as the nation’s first African-American president signify for you: “We’re moving in the right direction. He has managed to do something as an individual we’re striving for, which is to make sure everyone will have an opportunity to do whatever they wish to do as long as it is legal. I think we’re making great strides. Obama is an inspiration to young people coming along ó black, white, to all kids.”