When Terrence Ingram ’09 decided to major in music at BSC, he didn’t know exactly where that would take him. He just knew music was his passion, and he was determined to fill his education with a subject he enjoyed.

Music is now central to what Ingram does as the founder and Director of LegacyWorks, a program that uses life coaching, engaging curriculum, and music production to support Birmingham’s urban youth and help them succeed.

“When people think of excellence, they tend to point outside of urban areas. We want the urban youth in our city to reverse that,” Ingram said. “I believe that in 20 to 40 years, we can see unprecedented growth and economic independence in Birmingham’s urban communities.”

After graduating from BSC, Ingram became a Teach For America corps member and took a position in Nashville, teaching seventh and eighth grade inner city students. There, he also found his passion for education, another essential component of LegacyWorks.

“I saw students’ gifts and talents but also a lack of direction. It was in my blood to teach.”

Ingram returned to Birmingham and later began working for Scantron Corporation, which led him to Martha Gaskins Elementary School in the Roebuck neighborhood in 2018. While he was there to explain new end-of-year tests, an instructional coach suggested he might be there for a deeper purpose.

From there, Ingram and his team of friends developed a plan to invest in the community and Birmingham’s youth. They launched a pilot program at Martha Gaskins in August 2018 and began to build relationships with six students. Most members of the team, including Ingram, work full-time day jobs yet spend their evenings focused on LegacyWorks and its growth.

“It’s a people business, fueled by passion,” Ingram says. “I’m always energized when working to accomplish our objectives.”

LegacyWorks soon expanded from in-school to after-school and weekend programs. Students now participate in paid apprenticeships on a variety of skills and trades, including barbering, carpentry, plumbing, and auto mechanics. The program also includes time for youth, ages 10 to 18, to be with mentors who they can “do life with.”

In early summer 2022, LegacyWorks reignited its program with a Friday night celebration for the families of its participants.  Parents provided feedback to Ingram and team to help ensure that LegacyWorks continues to meet their children’s needs.

“I feel strongly that my purpose is tied to this city,” Ingram said. “Something in the soil makes me feel at home when I’m here.”

As LegacyWorks remains proximate to the community it serves and strengthens local partnerships, it is well-positioned to accomplish the vision of making Birmingham’s youth the benchmark for personal and cultural excellence.

This article was updated from a previously published piece in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of ’Southern Magazine.