Sumter sheriff speaker at Georgia Southwestern MLK Convocation
From staff reports
AMERICUS — Georgia Southwestern State University hosted its 44th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation in the GSW Storm Dome recently with Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant serving as keynote speaker.
The theme for the event was “It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems.”
The ceremony included performances from the GSW Concert Choir and Southwest Civic Chorus, Sumter County High School Gospel Choir, and the GSW Gospel Choir with a wreath presentation by the Sumter County High School JROTC.
After graduating from Americus High School in 1993, Bryant embarked on a path of service in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1994 to 2000. His career with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office started as a jailor in 1996. He swiftly moved through the ranks by attending the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Police Academy the same year. Bryant then served as a patrol deputy for three years.
In 2000, Bryant took on the role of assistant transportation supervisor for Sumter County Schools and soon advanced to supervisor, overseeing safe student transportation while maintaining his involvement in law enforcement part-time.
A pivotal moment came in October 2004 when a retired state trooper, who had issued Bryant his first ticket on his 16th birthday, presented him with an opportunity to return to law enforcement. Following this encounter, Bryant was appointed chief deputy under Sheriff Pete Smith.
Actively involved in his community, Bryant is a member of the Deacon Ministry at Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains.
The MLK Convocation is sponsored by the African American Male Institute, GSW’s Division of Business and Finance, GSW MLK Convocation Committee, GSW Gospel Choir, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Strong United Assertive Virtuous Educated Women, Division of Student Engagement and Success, and Student Government Association.
The ceremony is available at youtube.com/georgiasouthwestern for those who were not able to attend in person.
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