Born to Sidney William Horn and Johnette Marie Horn (Cravanas) on March 18, 1962 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, read as Cornell tells his story in his own words:
"Growing up in Watts some may call me a success. Well, that's true, I suppose, depending on who I'm compared with." - Dr. Cornell Sidney Horn
"After moving from Lincoln, NE to Los Angeles, CA, my dad got promoted as the first African American foreman at Max Factor specializing in women's makeup, while my mother worked part-time at a daycare center. My parents did better than most; after my father's promotion he bought a 4,000 sq. ft. home. My two younger brother (David and Steven) and I had our own bedrooms and we used to sit near the fireplace sometimes or listen to mom try to play the piano. She wasn't very good. Same tune, sounded like one of those common hymns played in those southern Baptist churches. But things were okay because I used to have more toys than anyone on the block. I did not realize how much we had in comparison to others. I attended 122nd Street School for elementary where I acquired a liking to girls.
After my parents separated and losing the home in the better neighborhood, my mom moved me and my siblings into the Watts projects. I did not realize the demands that went along with being the oldest son while growing up in Watts. I had to fight my battles. Why my mother had me wearing bubblegum tennis shoes and that red and white horizontal stripped shirt under those damn overalls, I have no idea. I kinda liked the style but it brought me too much negative attention. Maybe that's why I became a hard headed football player...the coach pushed me a little too hard anyway.
I enlisted in the Army in 1979 to seek opportunities for a better life. After my bootcamp and MOS training, I returned home after less than a year before even finishing the 11th grade. I had my first child, Keayona Marie Horn, at 16 years old with my girlfriend and later wife, Petrice. I stayed home for two weeks before reenlisting into the Navy after being jumped by four thugs. That tour of duty only lasted two years before returning to Watts again and getting a job at General Motors."
THE EDUCATION
"I was one of those kids. But I grew up, and I am ready to stand up to the storm." - Dr. Cornell Sidney Horn
"Laid off after only 90 days, I was told by a GM to participate and enroll in the largest retraining program between a private corporation and the U.S. Government at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. To be honest, I did it for the financial aid but later became an "A" student., yet I could never get employed. See Washington Post 11/6/1983. I was in a Volvo club and had to write a poem called. "Riding the Bus" to even get in the program. I was so proud to have graduated with honors with a certificate in electric technology. My father and mother came to the graduation. (Shown in photos below)
After seeking a new opportunity as highway patrol, I was told I'd have to wait six months to start. During those six months I got into trouble with the law trying to make ends meet and my first ended followed by a second failed attempt. During my prison stay I was reminded that I was not created to live this type of life. While in prison, I worked at the detergent plant and took courses from Marin Community College, whom of which would come to the prison and teach business and personal finance courses. I returned to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College completing two Associate degrees followed by my acceptance into the University of Southern California (USC) at around 26 years old. The L.A. riots of 1992 were underway and I was a tutor for USC's Upward Bound program. This program allowed USC students to go into the inner city of Los Angeles and tutor youth in mathematics and English. By this time I'd already met Cheryl, my soon-to-be wife, at LA Tech who was now pregnant with my second daughter, Alexus Cherrell Horn.
During my time at USC trouble found me again. Upon my prison release in 1994, I decided to get very serious about staying out of trouble. In 1994 I enrolled at the California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) where I attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, a Masters of Arts degree in Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Political Science, and a Certification to teach Critical Thinking skills. After completing my studies at CSULA, I enrolled in the University of Phoenix, and therein 2010, attained a Doctorate of Management degree in Organizational Leadership from the School of Business. I was one of two doctoral graduates from a 50 member cohort and have two published works.
Although I am the founder of the Wellness, Redemption, and Rehabilitation Program Inc. (WRRP) dba the Comprehensive Empowerment Group (CEG) and other LLCs, I am a professor of Humanities and several Social Sciences. While completing the doctoral program, I accepted several teaching positions. In 2005, I taught political science courses for the Nevada State College and the College of Southern Nevada, and for eight years I taught philosophy, management, political science, and world religions at a number of universities.
ENTREPRENUERSHIP
"When I was 14 years old I got to see Jesse Jackson at Alan Leroy Locke High School in LA. He gave a speech called, 'I Am Somebody' and I wrote an essay on it with the same title. Won a certificate for it; that was a nice accomplishment for me. I wasn't accustomed to having any sort of academic accolades. My mother framed that certificate and hung it up on my bedroom wall so I'd reflect on it each time I'd enter and exit my room. It was just a little reminder that I am somebody; somebody capable of great things. It's only now, looking back, that I realize how true Jesse's words were. They came to fruition. I am somebody special." - Dr. Cornell Sidney Horn
"During my 'wake up' moment at California's San Quinten prison, I began trying to convince inmates they could be something more than felons. Guys that are older try to share with the younger dudes. I tried to share my hustle. I call it the 'school hustle.' Why choose the hustle that's going to limit you? There's only going to be one drug dealer on that block; only one basketball player. After being pushed through the prison system, it's almost as if ex-cons don't believe legitimate success is in their realm of possibility. It's nurture, not nature. When we understand that we can do it the behavior follows.
By starting WRRP I hope to reduce recidivism through counseling, support groups, and employment skill training with specialized assistance for those who are homeless, suffering from mental illness, and ex-cons, including sex offenders who have been deemed low risk by the courts. These guys have no hope. I want to give it back.
Today WRRP dba CEG have placed over 54% of clients into full-time and part-time employment, and I have encouraged approximately 90% of clients to attain higher education.
My legacy is starting, just as much as it is beginning." - Dr. Cornell Sidney Horn
Since then Cornell has helped many of his family, friends, and colleagues begin new entrepreneur ventures in their lives. His latest was Right Choice Brokerage, LLC and National Freight Movers, LLC where he was establishing a foundation for his most substantial impact. That legacy has yet to be fulfilled...
Dr. Cornell Sidney Horn is survived by his father Sidney William Horn, daughter Alexus Cherrell Jackson (Horn), son-in-law Joshua Jackson, his brothers David Horn, Adrian Horn, and Terrence Horn, and sisters Talva Burnette (Horn) and Stephanie Briggs. Cornell was preceded in death by his mother Johnette Marie Horn, daughter Keayona Marie Horn, son Carrington Sidney Horn, granddaughter Kaysenura Keshawna Williams, brother Marshall Horn and brother Steven Horn. Cornell also leaves behind a host of family and friends.
Transcribed by his youngest daughter, Alexus Cherrell Jackson (Horn)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Horn family.
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