Stephen F. Austin State University

Sean Bradley made history when he became the first black president of the SFA student body, and then went on to become the first black president of the Texas Young Democrats.

When Bradley, who graduated from SFA in 2000, recently addressed Long Chapel CME Church in Lufkin in honor of Black History Month, he was less focused on his own achievements, than those of others.

"I don't want to be remembered at SFA as the first black student body president," he said. "I want to be remembered for the things I helped to accomplish for SFA and the city. I want to be remembered as an advocate for positive change."

Bradley said he wishes the same for other black men and women who have changed the world.

"Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate a rich heritage, that really should be celebrated 12 months out of the year," he said. "It's important not to confine the celebration of achievement to just one month."

Bradley's presentation underscored what Long Chapel Church pastor, the Rev. Robert Gipson, hoped to relay in the special program.

"This month, we intend to show our members, particularly our youth, that they can accomplish anything their heart desires," he said.

Bradley now lives in Denver, Colo., where he is Legislative and Public Policy Advocate for the Colorado League of Charter Schools. He previously worked for the Speaker of the House, in Colorado, and he is considering seeking public office in 2008.

"I'm eternally grateful to SFA," he said. "I received a quality education there, and I'm ecstatic about the direction the university is going under (newly appointed SFA President) Dr. Baker Pattillo."

Bradley said it is exciting to see changes taking place on campus that were first conceived while he was in office.

"I'm proud of what they've done," he said. "Ideas we had on the table are now actually taking place."

Although his career path has taken him out of East Texas, Bradley said he received his foundation here and he still enjoys "coming home."

"It's one of the most beautiful places," he said. "I love enjoying the breeze, and not having to worry about whether or not it's going to snow."

Bradley is from Daingerfield, where his mother, Cheryl Mitchell, still resides.