FLINT, MI — John Quiñones, journalist, author, and creator and host of ABC’s ‘What Would You Do?,’ talked Thursday evening about his ascent from poverty in San Antonio, Texas, to becoming a TV star on ABC News. Quinones was the latest prominent speaker at Mott Community College’s Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture Series.

The lecture was livestreamed at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1 on YouTube.

Quiñones shared his challenging life journey from migrant farm work to working over 30 years at ABC News, Primetime, and behind the anchor desk at 20/20.

“We are thrilled we were able to reschedule John Quiñones for the Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture Series this year,” said Lecture Series Chair, Dr. Dalton Connally, Program Coordinator for the Social Work Technician program in the Fine Arts & Social Sciences Division. “He brings to life the transformative power of education on socio-economic success in America through a compelling personal story.”

In the lecture, Quiñones celebrated the life-changing power of education, championed the Latino American Dream, and provided insights into human nature and ethical behavior.

Quiñones and Stephanie Land, author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive,” were scheduled to speak in 2020, but their appearances were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Land will be rescheduled at a later date

To access the lecture go to https://youtu.be/43UACQReycQ.

The lecture series, named for philanthropist William S. Ballenger, Sr., began in 1955 and has drawn national and international thought leaders and influencers to the college for talks on social, cultural, economic, scientific and historical significance. It was created to enhance educational opportunities for Mott Community College students as well as create a public discussion of issues facing the greater Flint community.

Previous speakers for the lecture series have included rocket scientist Wernher Von Braun, journalists Alistair Cooke and Peter Jennings, art critic Stanley Kaufman, talk show host Geraldo Rivera, writers Alex Haley and William Buckley, humorist Art Buchwald, singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte, actor Tony Shaloub, Polish prime minister Lech Walenska, businessman Daymond John, musician and author Patti Smith, mental health advocate and actor Sean Astin, former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, actress and activist Jenifer Lewis, and journalist and author Sonia Nazario.