Greenville Hero José Morales-Martinez Inspires Youth Through Community Advocacy

Greenville’s Own Champion: José Morales-Martinez

In Greenville, a bustling city characterized by overcast skies and a hint of rainfall, resides a man whose influence stretches well beyond the everyday weather forecast. José Morales-Martinez, the site coordinator and an influential student advocate at Berea High School, is making waves with his tireless efforts in shaping young lives and fostering targeted community development with Communities in Schools.

More Than A Day Job: José’s Diverse Roles

Morales-Martinez’s role in the school and community covers an impressive range, ranging from a papa figure to a trusted buddy, a guide, an educator, and even a motivator. In his own words, he has sometimes assumed roles of a social worker or even a college advisor. The key driver here is his mantra, “sí se puede.” Yes, we can. Yes, you can. Yes, it is possible— a motto he never fails to instill in his students.

His Grassroots – In the Circus and Beyond

Born in Mexico City, Morales-Martinez didn’t exactly enjoy a conventional childhood. With a father in the traveling circus as an animal tamer, acrobat, and clown and a caring mother, his early years were spent along the adventurous circus-retinue. However, life took a major turn at age 4 when his family moved to Greenville for the pursuit of a better life.
Living in cramped quarters and facing constant economic strain didn’t deter the Morales-Martinez family. Instead, his family’s struggles taught him the importance of community and helping others in need.

Inspiring the Next-Generation

Fast-forwarding to the present, Morales-Martinez’s childhood experiences have greatly shaped his outlook and actions in his role. As the advisor of the Hispanic Alliance’s Student DREAMers Alliance, he’s involved in empowering the youth, particularly the high school juniors and seniors, in personal growth, public speaking, mental awareness, and career or college guidance.

Giving Reality to Dreams

Once a victim to grave circumstances like the immigration agent raids, undocumented status, and resource crunch; Morales-Martinez was fortunate to have mentors like Adela Mendoza, the executive director of the Hispanic Alliance, and Tobi Kinsell, the former head of Bridges to a Brighter Future. They saw past his conditions and understood his potential.

Serving as the turning point in his life, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative brought about a welcomed change. With his DACA status, he went on to apply to Furman University, met with success, rode that wave, and became a first-generation college graduate, reaching a pinnacle he once could only dream of.

Motivating the Mexican Youths

Now, looking back, Morales-Martinez is driven by a goal – if an ordinary boy from an underprivileged background could rise to such heights, so can his students. He encourages them to keep going, “I want to encourage them to look past the fences that they live in and go beyond.”

Indeed, José Morales-Martinez’s life and journey is illustrative of defeat being turned into victory, of humility being turned into greatness, and of challenges being turned into opportunities, not just for him, but for many other young lives he continues to impact. The breeze may be light and variable in Greenville, but Morales-Martinez’s impact resolutely stands firm.