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.