The Immortality of Influence:. Cecil Murphey

Our one-parent family of eight children faced many hardships. Because my siblings were older, they had a more difficult time than I did, but they were great teachers in my life. I had six older brothers and sisters to depend on but the oldest ones didn’t. They didn’t realize it but they were teachers in a way. They taught and talked to me about life and learning from the mistakes of others.

      My brothers and sisters have been supportive of me in my career as an educator, mentor, father figure, and author. They often visit my school and they look upon my success as success for the family. For example, my brother George, my first chess coach, helps with our chess program as a volunteer, and he has never asked for money to do that. He learned from our mother that we give whatever we have to give and encourage others any way we can.

      I hope the young people I teach will grasp that fact. As they are supported and encouraged, the day will come when they need to volunteer without expectation of reward. It’s a way to give back for the blessings they have received.

      I hope George doesn’t mind my mentioning that many of my students defeat him in chess. That dates back to Demetrius from my early days at Vaux all the way to Kyle Tribble, one of our newest and strongest chess talents at Reynolds Elementary School. But whether he wins or loses, George is there. He supports the others and he cares.