From NY to Baltimore to Asheville

Wallace Bohanan, civil servant, educator, author, and community activist. Photo: Urban News archives

Staff Reports

Wallace Bohanan was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. His father was a Cub Scoutmaster so Wallace became a Cub Scout and later, a Boy Scout. As a Scout he learned leadership skills and a love for the woods. As an adult he loved to go camping, and going to mountain lakes and campsites became a passion. Although he loved being in the mountains and being near nature, he spent the majority of his life in the cities of New York and Baltimore. It was in the city that he earned his Bachelors Degree in Education and his Masters Degree in Counseling. He earned many certifications in the field of education and counseling including Public School Administrator.

Wallace has been in
the Asheville area for four years. He left behind friends and family in
Baltimore to live his dream in the mountains, and he appreciates
Asheville’s blend of small-town charm and progressive views.

“When I
first came to Asheville I didn’t have a job but I thought I would have
no problem finding employment because of my experience, degrees, and
certifications,” says Wallace. “Boy! Was I surprised.” It seems that
Asheville is a destination point for people with degrees and
certifications, and it took Wallace about three months to gain
employment with AB Tech as a GED instructor.

While
working with AB Tech he taught students at the college, at the Parole
and Probation Department, at Craggy Prison, and at Pisgah View
Apartments. He specialized in math instruction and worked for two years
in the college’s math lab for GED students. “I loved to see the
expressions on the faces of my students when they understood a math
concept or finally got their GED,” says Wallace with pride. AB Tech
still uses a picture of him working with a student in its advertising
and promotional materials.

For the
past year Wallace has been working with the Asheville Housing Authority
as its Employment & Training Coordinator. He dedicates his energy
to upgrading the skills of the residents and helping them to find
employment. When asked to describe his job, he says, “This job requires
a lot of networking as well as working directly with residents to help
them become better prepared for the work force.” Included in his duties
are grant-writing and writing for the Asheville Housing Newsletter.

Wallace
has written a book, “Why Not Be Happy – How To Get Along With Yourself
And Others”, which is now out of print (although there may be a copy or
two in Malaprops Bookstore). He has also done volunteer work as a coach
with The Asheville Lightning Track Club, a Junior Olympics track team
for youngsters ages 6 to 18. Wallace is also involved with improving
race relations as a facilitator with Building Bridges, an organization
dedicated to improving relations with the black and white citizens of
Asheville.

“I am
considering retiring when I turn 62 years of age this year, but no
matter what, I will always be involved with helping people in the
Asheville area improve their lives,” says Wallace with a smile.