Who was Kenyon Hodges?

In May 1997, Kingsbury Corporation’s Twin Towers opened a neighborhood network center with three donated computers and dial up Internet access in a small room without an attached bathroom. One year later, it was renamed and dedicated the Kenyon Hodges Computer Learning Center (KHCLC) in memory and honor of fallen National Guardsman Specialist Kenyon Jabar Hodges, who embodied the promise and potential the center seeks to instill in those who use it.

While growing up, Kenyon volunteered at the YMCA, Ellarsie Mansion, and worked with youth throughout the City of Trenton. The inner strength and drive he developed as he grew into a man led him to enlist in the New Jersey National Guard. On May 3, 1998 tragedy struck as Specialist Hodges was killed by lightening striking a tree near where his National Guard unit was conducting routine training exercises in the pinelands at Fort Dix military base. He was only 22.

The Hodges family has been involved in Twin Towers for over 20 years. At one time they lived at Twin Towers, Kenyon’s mother has worked at Twin Towers for over 20 years, his brother worked at the center in the early days, and his children participate in center programming.

Today, the Kenyon Hodges Learning Center, located on the Plaza Level in the West Tower, boasts a computer room with nine computers, high speed Internet access, and three additional rooms (and an attached bathroom). Programming has expanded to include on-line higher education and digital arts. The Kenyon Hodges Learning Center has attained Certified Status by Neighborhood Networks. Kenyon would be proud. So are we.