One Man's Success

Published: Nov. 20, 2006, 3:52 p.m.

Jonathan Shanks believes there are two types of people:Those who are book smart and those who have skills. He's of the latter. He didn't go to college, though his father and sister both earned degrees. Instead, Shanks entered the workforce after high school. His interest in fair wages for black men motivates him to serve as union president representing his co-workers at the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority. After work, he helps the community through his involvement in gospel music as a musician and promoter.