ABC reporter John Quiñones speaks in the Grand Ballroom at BGSU. Photo by Marissa Barenbrugge.
John Quiñones: What Would YOU Do? A 20/20 Vision of America was one of the events that took place during Bowling Green State University’s Black History Month celebration. He spoke on Jan. 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Grand Ballroom to a crowd including students, faculty and people from across the Northwest.
“Now available at Walgreens” were the first words John Quiñones ever spoke on the radio. 
Quinones’ journey to achieving his dream, becoming a journalist, had no shortage of obstacles.
Quinones also discussed his first job at a Country radio station and his current success with his show “What Would You Do?” Quiñones shared some advice on the power of perseverance with BGSU students and shared stories of his own experience with discrimination. This event was preceded by questions from the audience and a signing of his new novel, Heroes Among Us: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Choices.
Barbara Waddell, chief equity and diversity officer and title nine coordinater, estimated that there were over 1,000 people in attendance. There was also a live stream of the event broadcast to BGSU’s Fireland campus.
Waddell, a member of the team who coordinated the event, discovered Quiñones at a conference at which he was a keynote speaker. She was inspired by his story and hoped that bringing him to campus would not only impact the BGSU community in a positive way, but also in hopes of getting the audience to talk about the events and connect with one and other.
“So often we think something, but we don’t say it” Waddell said.
What Would YOU Do? A 20/20 Vision of America cost $15,000 and was fully funded by the university.
“He was so gracious about making it affordable” Waddell said.
Quiñones answers students questions about journalism and his career.
Impactful words from “John Quinones: What Would YOU Do? A 20/20 Vision of America”:
“No matter how tough things get for you, if you keep your eyes on the prize, you will get there”
“Don’t listen to the negative messages that we so often get from society”
“Go with your passion”
“You cannot dwell on the negative. When you fall down, look at all of the blessings that you have”
“Imagine journalism as a dark room and journalists are the ones who hold the light to shine on the darkest stories”
Audience Reaction
Interviewed: Tatenda Mandizha
1. Before listening to John Quiñones, what did you think he was going to speak about?
I thought that he was going to talk about his TV show and give us scenarios and ask us how we would react.
2. What stood out to you the most about the speech?
How he talked about his family, the journey that he went through to get to where he is in his career and the danger that he went through to get the story.
3. John Quiñones said some inspirational things. What was your favorite thing that he said?
Don’t be so concerned about the movers and shakers; be concerned about the moved and shaken.
What Would You Do?
This clip from the hit Primetime series depicts a scene of racism in a Harlem barber shop.