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2022 Black Heritage Calendar - Presented by the Black Educators' Caucus Inc., of Hernando County

The BEC is a 501c3 service organization and affiliate of the Hernando County Classroom Teachers Association comprised of influential and impactful educators who formed forty years ago in 1981 to: Advance the interests of the teaching profession; Promote the welfare of the Black educators throughout Hernando County; and Ensure that the educational needs of the local Black community are met. Thank you to our amazing sponsors, patrons and advertisers for your support of this annual project!

The BEC is a 501c3 service organization and affiliate of the Hernando County Classroom Teachers Association comprised of influential and impactful educators who formed forty years ago in 1981 to: Advance the interests of the teaching profession; Promote the welfare of the Black educators throughout Hernando County; and Ensure that the educational needs of the local Black community are met. Thank you to our amazing sponsors, patrons and advertisers for your support of this annual project!

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<strong>Black</strong> <strong>Educators'</strong><br />

<strong>Caucus</strong> <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>


Welcome to <strong>the</strong> reveal<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>2022</strong> <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Heritage</strong><br />

<strong>Calendar</strong><br />

hosted <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Black</strong> <strong>Educators'</strong><br />

<strong>Caucus</strong> <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>.


This year's BEC <strong>2022</strong><br />

<strong>Black</strong> <strong>Heritage</strong> <strong>Calendar</strong><br />

celebrates <strong>the</strong> life and<br />

legacy <strong>of</strong><br />

15 Phenomenal <strong>Black</strong><br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />

trailblazing educators.


WE CAN NEVER BLESS THE<br />

LIVING LEGENDS<br />

WHO ARE STILL WITH US<br />

ENOUGH, THOUGH WE MAY TRY.<br />

SAYING GOODBYE TO OUR<br />

ANCESTORS<br />

WHO HAVE PASSED ON IS<br />

NEVER EASY.....<br />

BUT PAYING TRIBUTE TO<br />

THEIR LIVES AS A<br />

SPONSOR<br />

IS A HONOR!


IN MEMORY OF<br />

ANCESTORS<br />

Reverend Elijah & Edna Bennett<br />

Bishop Theodore N. Brown<br />

Reverend Frankie Burnett<br />

Annie Jo Timmons-Fagin<br />

Ernest James & Bennie Mae Clark<br />

Reverend Samuel Carnes Lawson<br />

Robert & Vera Bryant<br />

Arthur Virgil & Arletha Thomas, Sr.<br />

Prophet & Lillie Mae Fagin Sr.<br />

Lannie & Annie Huggins<br />

Jimmy & Ann Morrell<br />

Susie & Mary Ann Scott<br />

CELEBRATED BY<br />

SPONSORS<br />

Imani D. Asukile<br />

Gladys Brown & Family<br />

Frederick Kelly Elk Lodge,<br />

Kelly Temple 1004<br />

Viennessee <strong>Black</strong><br />

Marshall Clark<br />

Martha Lawson<br />

Melanese Tallington<br />

Arthur Virgil Thomas, Jr.<br />

Janice Greene & Family<br />

Charlie Brown<br />

Tammy Duggs-Edwards<br />

Reverend Clarence Green


IN MEMORY OF<br />

ANCESTORS<br />

Rochelle & Eula Gonzales<br />

James V & Phyllis Hall<br />

James & Lillie Stephens<br />

Lee Andrew & Beulah Lawson<br />

Elijah & Evelestine Timmons, Sr.<br />

Donald & Jannie Taylor Sr.<br />

Alice Timmons Hart McMahon<br />

Mo<strong>the</strong>r Mary Lou Donaldson<br />

Elmer Hudson Edwards<br />

Ella Mae Mobley<br />

Vera Bennett-McKenzie<br />

Edith King<br />

Johnny Johnson<br />

CELEBRATED BY<br />

SPONSORS<br />

Fairella Cook<br />

Howard Johnson<br />

Charlie Brown<br />

Robert & Wanda Lawson<br />

Viennessee <strong>Black</strong><br />

Tracy Taylor<br />

Johnny Bob Wyatt<br />

Christene Yant<br />

Reverend Jimmy Baylor<br />

John Mobley<br />

Tara Lyons Family<br />

Demetrius Madrey<br />

Mary Johnson


IN MEMORY OF<br />

ANCESTORS<br />

Dewayne Johnson<br />

Mary Love<br />

Myles & Mary Ann Bennett<br />

Minnie Stephens<br />

Willie F. Stephens<br />

Robert & Delois Taylor<br />

Levy Johnson<br />

Ronald R. Bennett<br />

Willie Mae Moore<br />

Lorenzo Hamilton<br />

Lu<strong>the</strong>r Cason<br />

Margie Timmons-Thomas<br />

CELEBRATED BY<br />

SPONSORS<br />

Diane Johnson<br />

Doris Love<br />

Imani D. Asukile<br />

Pierre Paige<br />

Bennie Stephens & Family<br />

Robert & Nyika Taylor Family<br />

Howard Johnson<br />

Sarah Bennett & Family<br />

Maulty Moore & Family<br />

Mae Lois Hamilton<br />

Mary Cason<br />

Marilyn Brewton


IN MEMORY OF<br />

ANCESTORS<br />

Waiters Timmons<br />

Jerome Griffin<br />

Percy Henderson<br />

Mary Brown Blanks<br />

Ophelia Moore Nelson<br />

Rosa Taylor-Sylvester<br />

Sondra McDonald<br />

Carol L. Stewart<br />

James & Alice <strong>Black</strong>, Sr.<br />

Gracie Harris<br />

Carlette Ingrid Brown<br />

CELEBRATED BY<br />

SPONSORS<br />

Vienessee <strong>Black</strong><br />

Shelia Griffin<br />

Evelyn Chester Henderson<br />

Nathaniel Brown & Family<br />

Carl Plair & Family<br />

Carolyn Madrey<br />

Frederick Kelly Elk Lodge 1270<br />

& Kelly Temple #1004<br />

Beverly Lee Stewart<br />

Ronteryl M. <strong>Black</strong><br />

Robert & Juanita Harris Family<br />

Lester Brown, Jr.


IN MEMORY OF<br />

ANCESTORS<br />

Anthony Rochelle Cook<br />

Benny Hodges<br />

Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Yant-Rowe<br />

Seola Whitehead-Wright<br />

Curlie Belle Jones-Moore<br />

Corey Hill<br />

Dorothy Burnett<br />

Robert L. <strong>Black</strong><br />

Sharon Bennett<br />

Richard & Beatrice Braun<br />

CELEBRATED BY<br />

SPONSORS<br />

Samuel & Fairella Cook<br />

Susie Hodges<br />

James Yant<br />

Walter Moore<br />

Walter Moore<br />

Frederick Kelly Elk Lodge<br />

1270 & Kelly Temple #1004<br />

Ronteryl M. <strong>Black</strong><br />

Freeman Bennett & Family<br />

Imani D. Asukile


IN MEMORY OF<br />

ANCESTORS<br />

*Randy & Kimberly Anderson<br />

*Lillian & Basil Hicks<br />

** PFC Willie Frank McGhee, USA<br />

** LCPL Hercules Moore, USMC<br />

** Sp4 Washington Morris Langley, USA<br />

** SP4 Galvin Fagin III, USA<br />

** SP4 Thomas V. Smith, USA<br />

** SP4 Clarence William III, USA<br />

EVENT IN<br />

HISTORY<br />

*Driver and students who<br />

died in <strong>the</strong> Tragic Moton<br />

High School Bus Accident<br />

on February 3, 1966.<br />

<br />

**Military personnel who<br />

died in combat or while<br />

serving on active duty.


NOW FOR THE BIG<br />

REVEAL OF THE<br />

CALENDAR!<br />

The purpose <strong>of</strong> a<br />

calendar<br />

is to allow one to visualize<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir schedule and to remind<br />

<strong>the</strong>m <strong>of</strong> important events, such<br />

as holidays and vacation time.


THIS CALENDAR IS ALSO<br />

A TOOL FOR HONORING<br />

OUR LIVING LEGENDS &<br />

ANCESTORS!<br />

Honoring your living legends &<br />

ancestors is <strong>the</strong> first step in<br />

reclaiming your spiritual heritage.<br />

Honoring <strong>the</strong>m can also be a<br />

source <strong>of</strong><br />

inspiration, help and protection.


Betty<br />

Morgan<br />

Barbie<br />

Hall<br />

Annie<br />

Lawson<br />

Marie<br />

Lawson<br />

Carrie<br />

Martin<br />

Brenda<br />

Cason<br />

Sarah<br />

Davis<br />

Jennie<br />

Wright<br />

Carrie<br />

Warren<br />

Lorenzo<br />

Hamilton<br />

Eugene<br />

Ele<strong>by</strong><br />

Eloise<br />

Wright<br />

Hattie<br />

Redding<br />

Clarence<br />

Walker<br />

<br />

<br />

Naomi<br />

Walker<br />

<br />

<br />

<strong>2022</strong><br />

Climb!<br />

TheyClimb!<br />

Lifting As<br />

<strong>Black</strong> <strong>Educators'</strong><br />

<strong>Caucus</strong> <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />

<br />

<strong>Black</strong> <strong>Heritage</strong> Series <strong>Calendar</strong><br />

Aerial view <strong>of</strong> Brooksville, 1920s, perhaps 1926. Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> Bob Martinez


Who Are<br />

We?<br />

The <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Educators'</strong> <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>. (BEC) is a 501c3<br />

service organization, an affiliate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />

Classroom Teachers Association that formed in 1981 to:<br />

<br />

1. Advance <strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> teaching pr<strong>of</strong>ession;<br />

2. Promote <strong>the</strong> welfare <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> educators throughout <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />

3. Ensure that <strong>the</strong> educational needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local <strong>Black</strong> community are met.<br />

F<br />

R<br />

O<br />

M<br />

<br />

T<br />

H<br />

E<br />

<br />

C<br />

H<br />

A<br />

I<br />

R<br />

Greetings!<br />

Twenty-twenty-one marked <strong>the</strong> 40th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong><br />

Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>. <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>. In 1981, nine black school teachers<br />

came toge<strong>the</strong>r to form <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caucus</strong>, an affiliate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Teachers<br />

Association. So, in memory <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir vision, eight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 9 founders are pr<strong>of</strong>iled in<br />

this second edition <strong>of</strong> BEC’s <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Heritage</strong> Series <strong>Calendar</strong>. Carol Stewart <strong>the</strong><br />

founder was featured in last year’s calendar. Their stories are informative,<br />

instructive and pathways to our collective healing and cultural enlightenment.<br />

Therefore, it is critical that we always give thanks for <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>the</strong>y lived. Their<br />

achievements are remarkable considering <strong>the</strong> era and hurdles <strong>the</strong>y overcame.<br />

They earned degrees from historically black colleges and universities and<br />

sometime <strong>the</strong>y traveled on weekends and during <strong>the</strong> summer to complete <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

schooling. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong>y approached <strong>the</strong> teaching pr<strong>of</strong>ession as if it was a<br />

calling, a vocation. They were pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in and out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom -<strong>the</strong>y<br />

were apostles <strong>of</strong> achievement.<br />

We honor <strong>the</strong>m also for establishing an organization that has become one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

longest continuous serving non-religious black organizations in our community.<br />

Aside from publishing <strong>the</strong> calendar, <strong>the</strong> organization sponsors its Annual Dr.<br />

King Jr., National Holiday Book Discussion, <strong>Black</strong> History Month Poster and<br />

Essay Contest, Scholar Day, co-sponsored a Veterans Day Ceremony and through<br />

<strong>the</strong> Marie Antoinette Lawson Scholarship has awarded approximately $50,000.00<br />

in scholarships over <strong>the</strong> years. A Veterans' Day Education Project is being<br />

proposed in <strong>2022</strong> for k-12 students to sharpen <strong>the</strong>ir awareness <strong>of</strong> relatives and<br />

local men and women who served and <strong>of</strong> those who made <strong>the</strong> ultimate sacrifice.<br />

Respectfully,<br />

<br />

Christene Yant<br />

Christene Yant<br />

Chair<br />

<br />

Left to Right: Naomi Walker, Christene Yant, Betty Morgan,<br />

Annie Lawson, Barbie Hall, Sarah Davis, Carrie Martin, and<br />

Lorenzo Hamilton. Missing from <strong>the</strong> photo: Eloise Wright.<br />

Photo Courtesy <strong>of</strong> Imani D. Asukile<br />

Officers<br />

Christene Yant, Chair<br />

Richard Inmon, Jr., Vice President<br />

Viennessee <strong>Black</strong>, Secretary-Treasurer<br />

Lorenzo Hamilton, Chair Emeritus<br />

Members<br />

Imani D. Asukile * Sarah Bennett * Ronteryl <strong>Black</strong><br />

Lechele Booker * Kojack Burnett * Fairella Cook<br />

Gina Hall * Madalyn Holmes * Bonatha Inmon<br />

Martha Lawson * Sheryl Scriven * Arleatha Swackard<br />

Jarvis Upshaw * Nicole Wittman<br />

Founding Members<br />

Sarah Davis * Barbie Hall * Annie Lawson<br />

Carrie Martin * Carrie Parker-Warren * Hattie Redding<br />

Carol Stewart * Naomi Walker * Jeannie Wright<br />

Former Chairs<br />

Carol Stewart * Christene Yant<br />

Barbie Hall * Lorenzo Hamilton


In Loving Memory<br />

<br />

Paying Homage to our Ancestors<br />

Reverend Elijah & Edna Bennett<br />

Bishop Theodore N. Brown<br />

Reverend Frankie Burnett<br />

Ivy & Blanche Cambric<br />

Ernest J. & Bennie M. Clark<br />

Reverend Samuel Carnes Lawson<br />

Robert & Vera Bryant<br />

Arthur V & Arletha Thomas<br />

Prophet & Lillie Mae Fagin Sr.<br />

Lannie & Annie Huggins<br />

Jimmy & Ann Morrell<br />

Susie & Mary Ann Scott<br />

Rochelle & Eula Gonzales<br />

James V & Phyllis Hall<br />

James & Lillie Stephens<br />

Ru<strong>by</strong> Hart<br />

MEMORIAL PATRONS<br />

Lee A. & Beulah Lawson<br />

Elijah & Evelestine Timmons, Sr.<br />

Donald & Jannie Taylor, Sr.<br />

Alice Timmons Redding<br />

Mo<strong>the</strong>r Mary Lou Donaldson<br />

Elmer Hudson Edwards<br />

Ella Mae Mobley<br />

Annie Jo Timmons Fagin<br />

Vera Bennett-McKenzie<br />

Edith King<br />

Johnny Johnson<br />

Dewayne Johnson<br />

Mary Love<br />

Myles & Mary Ann Bennett<br />

Minnie Stephens<br />

<br />

Willie F. Stephens<br />

Robert & Delois Taylor<br />

Levy Johnson<br />

Ronald R. Bennett<br />

Willie Mae Moore<br />

Mae Lois Hamilton<br />

Lu<strong>the</strong>r Cason<br />

Margie Timmons-Thomas<br />

Waiters Timmons<br />

Jerome Griffin<br />

Percy Henderson<br />

Mary Brown Blanks<br />

Ophelia Moore Nelson<br />

Rosa Taylor-Sylvester<br />

Sondra McDonald<br />

Carol L. Stewart<br />

James & Alice <strong>Black</strong>, Sr.<br />

Gracie Harris<br />

Carlette Ingrid Brown<br />

Anthony Rochelle Cook<br />

Benny Hodges<br />

Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Yant-Rowe<br />

Seola Whitehead-Wright<br />

Curlie Belle Jones-Moore<br />

Alice Timmons Hart-McMahon<br />

Corey Hill<br />

Dorothy Burnett<br />

Robert <strong>Black</strong><br />

Sharon Bennett<br />

Richard & Beatrice Braun<br />

*Randy & Kimberly Anderson<br />

*Lillian & Basil Hicks<br />

*Driver and students who died in <strong>the</strong> Tragic Moton High School Bus<br />

Accident on February 3, 1966.<br />

** PFC Willie Frank McGhee<br />

** LCPL Hercules Moore<br />

** Sp4 Washington Morris Langley<br />

** SP4 Galvin Fagin III<br />

** SP4 Thomas V. Smith<br />

** SP4 Clarence William III<br />

**Military personnel who died in combat or while serving<br />

on active duty.


Sarah Davis<br />

08/04/1929 - 05/13/2010<br />

Sarah Fletcher Davis was a respected retired public-school educator and community-minded<br />

matriarch <strong>of</strong> quiet strength and a firm resolve. She was a native <strong>of</strong> Brooksville, Florida, and<br />

a member <strong>of</strong> Moton High School’s 5th graduating class, <strong>the</strong> class <strong>of</strong> 1946. She came <strong>of</strong><br />

age during <strong>the</strong> Great Depression, WWII, <strong>the</strong> Great Migration, and <strong>the</strong> advent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

modern civil rights movement. After high school, Sarah followed her sister, Eddie,<br />

to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee where she earned a<br />

Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science degree in elementary education science. In 1954, she<br />

accepted a calling to return to her high school alma mater as an elementary<br />

school teacher where she taught many first-generation high school students<br />

whose parents moved to Brooksville from Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina<br />

as sharecroppers, cotton pickers and field workers in pursuit <strong>of</strong> a better quality<br />

<strong>of</strong> life. She managed <strong>the</strong> students’ different learning styles <strong>by</strong> separating <strong>the</strong>m<br />

into groups to provide each student with <strong>the</strong> necessary attention needed for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

academic growth and development. This was before Title I and o<strong>the</strong>r learning<br />

assistance programs were made available to schools. Her students speak highly<br />

<strong>of</strong> her as a teacher and <strong>the</strong> positive influence she had on <strong>the</strong>ir lives.<br />

Even though she completed her 30-year career in education as a librarian at<br />

Eastside Elementary School, she spent most <strong>of</strong> her career teaching during <strong>the</strong> era <strong>of</strong><br />

segregation when she was paid less than her White peers with similar experience<br />

and credentials simply because <strong>of</strong> her race. She retired in 1984. Teaching was her<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ession, and building and maintaining a healthy community was her vocation.<br />

As a retiree, she began ano<strong>the</strong>r career working with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Sheriff's Office<br />

manning <strong>the</strong> South Brooksville Substation and coordinating a community watch initiative. She was<br />

admired, respected, and received praise and awards in appreciation for her 15 years <strong>of</strong> service with <strong>the</strong> department. She<br />

was actively involved with <strong>the</strong> NAACP, a founding member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />

South Brooksville Revitalization Task Force, and Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church. She was a member <strong>of</strong> Moton High<br />

School Reunion 50th Anniversary Celebration 1939-1989’s Steering, Alumni, and Finance Committees. Sarah represented<br />

<strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> what it means to be a woman, human and African American.<br />

Sarah was a 2003 recipient <strong>of</strong> Pasco-<strong>Hernando</strong> State College’s Center <strong>of</strong> Excellence Drum Major for Justice Award. She will<br />

always be remembered as Mrs. Davis. Her family sponsored a plaque that is mounted on <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice wall at Mid-Florida<br />

Community Services Head Start, formerly Moton High School on School Street and <strong>the</strong> county also renamed a street, Sarah<br />

F. Davis Street in remembrance <strong>of</strong> her.<br />

She was married to Mack Davis, Jr., for 58 years, and she loved her family. She was <strong>the</strong> eighth <strong>of</strong> ten children born to Rosa<br />

Senda and Captain Phelix Fletcher. She was a lifelong resident <strong>of</strong> Brooksville. Mrs. Davis is survived <strong>by</strong> her son, Dr. Mack<br />

Davis, III, Ph.D.; daughter, Angela Collins.<br />

Sponsors: Dr. Mack Davis, III, Ph.D. and Angela Collins<br />

"You don't make progress <strong>by</strong> standing on <strong>the</strong> sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make<br />

progress <strong>by</strong> implementing ideas.” – Shirley Chisholm


JANUARY <strong>2022</strong><br />

New Year's Day<br />

1923, Rosewood, FL<br />

African American<br />

community destroyed in<br />

fiery racist attack<br />

1943, George<br />

Washington Carver<br />

agricultural scientist<br />

and inventor, dies.<br />

1866, Fisk University<br />

founded in Nashville,<br />

TN<br />

BEC’s MLK book<br />

discussion<br />

1948, Supreme Court<br />

ruled <strong>Black</strong>s have right<br />

to study law at state<br />

universities<br />

1929, Dr. Martin<br />

Lu<strong>the</strong>r King Jr was<br />

born<br />

Dr. Martin<br />

Lu<strong>the</strong>r King Jr.<br />

Day


“True community is based upon equality, mutuality, and reciprocity. It affirms <strong>the</strong> richness <strong>of</strong><br />

individual diversity as well as <strong>the</strong> common human ties that bind us toge<strong>the</strong>r.” – Pauli Murray<br />

<br />

<br />

Eugene Ele<strong>by</strong><br />

1942 - 1996<br />

Dr. Eugene Louie Ele<strong>by</strong>, Jr. joined <strong>the</strong> Moton High School staff as a reading instructor<br />

and assistant librarian in 1964. He would establish himself as <strong>the</strong> intellectual <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

staff who was as comfortable speaking with <strong>the</strong> educated as well as <strong>the</strong> common<br />

man and woman.<br />

Eugene was born in Mobile, Alabama, where he was an honor student at Central High<br />

School. Eugene came <strong>of</strong> age in Alabama during <strong>the</strong> modern civil rights movement.<br />

The Brown v. Board <strong>of</strong> Education would have some impact on his education, but<br />

<strong>the</strong> Montgomery Bus Boycott and Governor Wallace standing in <strong>the</strong> schoolhouse<br />

door at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Alabama in Tuscaloosa would pr<strong>of</strong>oundly capture his<br />

attention. After high school, he attended Bishop State Junior College which was<br />

referred to as <strong>the</strong> branch <strong>of</strong> Alabama State University in Mobile. After two years,<br />

Eugene matriculated to Alabama State College in Montgomery, where Pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />

Joann Robinson had used <strong>the</strong> Alabama State’s resources to make flyers to tell<br />

people not to ride <strong>the</strong> bus and initiated an event that lasted 180 days and<br />

bankrupted <strong>the</strong> Montgomery Public Transportation System. These experiences<br />

impacted his direction into a career <strong>of</strong> public service. So, after earning his bachelors<br />

and master’s degrees from Alabama State, he accepted a teaching position at<br />

Moton High School in Brooksville just as <strong>the</strong> desegregation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public school was<br />

commencing in Florida. He would later earn a doctorate degree from Oklahoma State<br />

University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.<br />

Eugene was an asset to <strong>the</strong> community as a mentor, educator, and an intellectual. Therefore, it was not long before his<br />

college swee<strong>the</strong>art, <strong>the</strong> former Jessie Mabin was hired to <strong>the</strong> Moton staff as an elementary teacher also. Eugene was<br />

intimately familiar with <strong>the</strong> works and thoughts <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> black community’s popular thinkers and writers, such as<br />

James Baldwin, W. E. B. Dubois and frequently quoted Morehouse College President, Benjamin Elijah Mays, “You make your<br />

living <strong>by</strong> what you get, you make your life <strong>by</strong> what you give.” They made Brooksville home, purchasing a home in <strong>the</strong><br />

Mitchell Heights Community, joined First Baptist Church <strong>of</strong> Shady Rest, Frederick Kelly Elks Lodge 1270, and Jesse Kelly<br />

Temple 1004. Gene once served as <strong>the</strong> Florida State Educational Board chairman for <strong>the</strong> Improved Benevolent and<br />

Protective Order <strong>of</strong> Elks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World. His influence manifested through students he taught such as Martha Carol Maner,<br />

Dianna Butts, Angela Humose, Franke and Peter Burnett Jr., Peter and Sharon Griffin. The Ele<strong>by</strong>s were generous and kind<br />

people who shared without groan or moan.<br />

They spent 25 years in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> as teachers before retiring in <strong>the</strong> early 1990s. They relocated to Eugene’s<br />

hometown <strong>of</strong> Mobile, Alabama and joined <strong>the</strong> staff at his alma mater, Bishop State Community College as pr<strong>of</strong>essors.<br />

Eugene loved his students and community, but his wife Jessie and daughter Ejessica ranked second to God, Alabama State<br />

University, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, <strong>Inc</strong>orporated. There is no question that Brooksville benefited from <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong><br />

Eugene Ele<strong>by</strong>.<br />

Sponsors: Jessie and Ejessica Ele<strong>by</strong>


FEBRUARY <strong>2022</strong><br />

NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH<br />

Groundhog Day<br />

1966, Moton School<br />

Bus Tragedy<br />

National Wear<br />

Red Day (Heart<br />

Awareness)<br />

1913, Rosa Parks<br />

Birthday<br />

1968, Three South<br />

Carolina students<br />

killed during<br />

segregation protest in<br />

Orangeburg, SC<br />

Lincoln's<br />

Birthday<br />

National <strong>Black</strong><br />

Love Day<br />

St. Valentine's<br />

Day<br />

1938, Mary Frances<br />

Berry first woman to<br />

serve as chancellor <strong>of</strong><br />

a major university<br />

(University <strong>of</strong><br />

Colorado) born<br />

Presidents' Day<br />

Family Day<br />

Washington's<br />

Birthday<br />

1868, W.E.B. DuBois<br />

scholar, activist, and<br />

author <strong>of</strong> The Souls <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Black</strong> folk, born<br />

1864, Rebecca Lee<br />

Crumpler becomes<br />

first <strong>Black</strong> woman to<br />

receive a medical<br />

degree (New England<br />

Female Medical<br />

College)


Lorenzo Hamilton<br />

8/26/1938 -<br />

Lorenzo Hamilton was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>’s most celebrated 20th century educators, not<br />

solely for executing <strong>the</strong> duties and responsibilities on his job description, but for going beyond<br />

<strong>the</strong> call <strong>of</strong> duty. He was a coach, teacher, and administrator who implemented a comprehensive<br />

vision <strong>of</strong> community recreation and engagement.<br />

He arrived in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> in 1965, as Moton High School athletic director, football and<br />

basketball coach, physical and driver education, science teacher, and summer recreation<br />

program director. In a short time, he enhanced <strong>the</strong> basketball program <strong>by</strong> relocating <strong>the</strong><br />

court from <strong>the</strong> school’s entrance closer to <strong>the</strong> athletic complex and expanding <strong>the</strong> court<br />

from two goals to six. His basketball team won <strong>the</strong> Mid-8 Atlantic Conference Class B<br />

Basketball Championship, <strong>the</strong> first in <strong>the</strong> school’s history. He added track and field to <strong>the</strong><br />

athletic program. The summer youth baseball program was expanded from two casual<br />

teams to four in uniforms, award ceremonies, and trophies were added. He made a public<br />

campaign <strong>of</strong> his student’s successes <strong>by</strong> having <strong>the</strong>ir stories published in The Sun Journal,<br />

<strong>the</strong> local newspaper. Thus, he successfully brea<strong>the</strong>d needed reverence into a struggling<br />

Kennedy Park, <strong>the</strong> first public park in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> for African Americans when he<br />

relocated <strong>the</strong> youth program from Moton Field to <strong>the</strong> park where <strong>the</strong> fields had lights, and<br />

public accommodations. A women’s s<strong>of</strong>tball program emerged from <strong>the</strong> Wednesday Night<br />

Community Recreation Evening. Eventually he started a competitive girls’ s<strong>of</strong>tball team, <strong>the</strong><br />

Jets, that won <strong>the</strong> state championship in 1976. From <strong>the</strong> two youth ball programs, Kennedy<br />

Youth Club (KYC) was formed to aid <strong>Black</strong> students navigating <strong>the</strong> cultural transitions from Moton<br />

during <strong>the</strong> desegregation <strong>of</strong> public schools. KYC nurtured empowerment skills fostered positive<br />

socialization skills and <strong>the</strong>ir successful completion <strong>of</strong> high school and college. He also founded <strong>the</strong> Human Relations Club at HHS, a<br />

forerunner to equity, diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. He organized <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Organization and he<br />

stepped forward and joined <strong>the</strong> Community Alliance, a community-based organization that was formed in <strong>the</strong> early 90s’ to address<br />

racial matters. He was <strong>the</strong> only male to join <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> and would eventually serve as its<br />

President 2001-2003. In February 1970, he coordinated <strong>the</strong> first <strong>Black</strong> History Month Celebration Assembly at <strong>Hernando</strong> High School<br />

and he was a member <strong>of</strong> Moton High School Reunion 50th Anniversary Celebration, 1939-1989 Steering Committee.<br />

Mr. Hamilton’s efforts to enhance <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> life in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> have not gone unnoticed. Graduates <strong>of</strong> his youth programs<br />

sponsored three appreciation events in his honor; <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Branch NAACP recognized him as an Unsung Hero in<br />

Recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national organization’s centennial, he was inducted into <strong>Hernando</strong> High School Sports Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame, Central High<br />

School Yearbook was dedicated to him, <strong>the</strong> Kennedy Park(KP) Community Center was renamed <strong>the</strong> Lorenzo Hamilton Community<br />

Center and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> School Board promoted him from teacher/coach to assistant principal to principal and giving him <strong>the</strong><br />

honor <strong>of</strong> opening Springstead High School in 1977. A plaque was placed on <strong>the</strong> Mid-Community Services Head Start Office wall on<br />

School Street in his honor <strong>by</strong> his mentees.<br />

Coach Lorenzo Hamilton was born in Cotton Plant, Florida in Marion <strong>County</strong> and raised in Frostpro<strong>of</strong>, Polk <strong>County</strong>, Florida. He<br />

graduated from Roosevelt High School in Lake Wales, FL, 1956, earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethune Cookman (College)<br />

University 1960, and a master’s degree from Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University in 1971. He retired as an educator after 33<br />

years and worked several years for <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Corrections. He was married to <strong>the</strong> late Mae Lois Hamilton and <strong>the</strong>y had one<br />

son, Keenan Hamilton. <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> in particularly and <strong>the</strong> world more general, are better places because <strong>of</strong> his service.<br />

Education was his pr<strong>of</strong>ession and providing leadership and wholesome recreational opportunities for youth was his vocation.<br />

Sponsors: Colonel Peter Burnett USA (Ret.) & Family<br />

“Success is to be measured not so much <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> position that one has reached in life as <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington


MARCH <strong>2022</strong><br />

1st Day <strong>of</strong> Women's<br />

History Month<br />

Mardi Gras<br />

1914, Ralph W. Ellison,<br />

author, educator, born<br />

Ash Wednesday<br />

1867, U.S. Congress<br />

enacts charter to<br />

establish Howard<br />

University<br />

BEC’s <strong>Black</strong><br />

History Month<br />

Essay & Poster<br />

Competition<br />

Daylight<br />

Savings Time<br />

Begins<br />

St. Patrick's Day<br />

1822, The Phoenix<br />

Society, literary and<br />

educational group<br />

founded <strong>by</strong> <strong>Black</strong>s in<br />

New York City<br />

First Day <strong>of</strong><br />

Spring<br />

2009, John Hope<br />

Franklin, prolific<br />

scholar <strong>of</strong> African<br />

American history who<br />

influenced thinking<br />

about slavery and<br />

reconstruction dies


Barbie Hall<br />

1937-2001<br />

Barbie Jane Hart-Hall is a native <strong>of</strong> Brooksville and Salutatorian <strong>of</strong> Moton High<br />

School Class <strong>of</strong> 1957. Her work ethics and value system were shaped <strong>by</strong><br />

several institutions: home, heritage, faith, school, and college. She was a<br />

founding member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />

and served as president 1995-2001, <strong>the</strong> year <strong>of</strong> her demise.<br />

She was raised in Bethlehem Progressive (Missionary) Baptist Church<br />

where she was active in all aspects <strong>of</strong> church life, from Sunday school to<br />

<strong>the</strong> Young People Development, sang in <strong>the</strong> choir, Vacation Bible School,<br />

Pastor’s Aid Club, and was <strong>the</strong> Pastor’s personal secretary. Barbie was<br />

completing her freshman year in high school when <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court<br />

declared <strong>the</strong> separate but equal doctrine unconstitutional in <strong>the</strong> Brown v.<br />

Board <strong>of</strong> Education Decision in 1954. Her devotion to <strong>the</strong> Baptist faith led<br />

her to Florida Memorial College in Saint Augustine, Florida, an affiliate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

First South Florida Missionary Baptist Association. Florida Memorial was a<br />

decade into <strong>of</strong>fering four-year degrees. Prior to that time, it was a junior<br />

college. She earned a masters’ degree from <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> South Florida<br />

and studied at Howard University also. She was barely out <strong>of</strong> college when <strong>the</strong><br />

Sou<strong>the</strong>rn states started desegregating <strong>the</strong>ir public schools, and <strong>the</strong> civil rights<br />

movement was escalating.<br />

Her teaching career commenced in 1961, as an elementary teacher at her alma mater, Moton High School. Barbie<br />

was employed with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Schools for 30 years until her demise. She taught at Moton to <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> desegregation era <strong>of</strong> public schools. She also worked at Mitchell L. <strong>Black</strong> Elementary and Westside<br />

Elementary schools. Barbie was an excellent teacher and was recognized <strong>by</strong> BEC as its Teacher <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year in<br />

2001. As a third-generation member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Timmons Family, <strong>the</strong> oldest <strong>Black</strong> family in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, she was<br />

active in <strong>the</strong> Timmons Family Reunion, preservation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spring Hill African American Cemetery, and a supporter<br />

<strong>of</strong> Kennedy Park Little League. She was a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Moton High School Reunion 50th Anniversary<br />

Celebration, 1939-1989 Steering, and Alumni Committees, <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Classroom Teachers Association,<br />

Florida Educational Association and National Education Association. Finally, Barbie was a member <strong>of</strong> Alpha Kappa<br />

Alpha Sorority. A plaque was placed on <strong>the</strong> Mid-Community Services Head Start <strong>of</strong>fice wall on School Street in her<br />

honor <strong>by</strong> her children.<br />

Barbie Jane was married to James Hall; Sr. and <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> two children: Gina “Cookie” Hall and<br />

James “Chip” Hall. She loved her family. She was <strong>the</strong> daughter <strong>of</strong> Moody and Ru<strong>by</strong> Hart.<br />

Sponsors: James Hall, Jr., and Gina Hall<br />

“I believe unconditionally in <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>of</strong> people to respond when <strong>the</strong>y are told <strong>the</strong> truth. We need to<br />

be taught to study ra<strong>the</strong>r than believe, to inquire ra<strong>the</strong>r than to affirm.” ― Septima Poinsette Clark


APRIL <strong>2022</strong><br />

NATIONAL FAIR<br />

HOUSING<br />

MONTH<br />

April Fool's Day<br />

1968, Rev. Dr. Martin<br />

Lu<strong>the</strong>r King Jr<br />

assassinated in<br />

Memphis, TN<br />

Palm Sunday<br />

1968, President<br />

Johnson signs <strong>the</strong><br />

Fair Housing Act<br />

National Library<br />

Workers' Day<br />

Good Friday<br />

Tax Day<br />

Passover<br />

Easter Sunday<br />

Administrative<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />

Day<br />

Earth Day<br />

1942, Moton High<br />

School 1st graduating<br />

class<br />

Take Your Child<br />

to Work Day<br />

Arbor Day<br />

1944, United Negro<br />

College Fund<br />

<strong>Inc</strong>orporated


Annie Mae Lawson & Marie Lawson<br />

12/17/1930 – 01/08/2013 09/10/49-12/20-1980<br />

Annie Mae Chester Lawson was born in Sparta, Georgia. Her family moved to Mondon<br />

Hill Community <strong>of</strong> Brooksville in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, Florida during <strong>the</strong> Great<br />

Depression when she was a young girl. She attended <strong>the</strong> one-room Mondon Hill<br />

School, Brooksville Colored School, and graduated from Moton High School in<br />

1951. Annie was inspired to become a teacher <strong>by</strong> her mo<strong>the</strong>r. She was one <strong>of</strong> three<br />

children <strong>of</strong> a sibling group <strong>of</strong> 10 to earn college degrees; all three from Florida<br />

Agricultural and Mechanical University. One sibling earned <strong>the</strong>ir high school<br />

diploma from Edward Waters College (at <strong>the</strong> time, this institution <strong>of</strong>fered classes<br />

at <strong>the</strong> elementary, high school, college and seminary levels).<br />

There were no openings available in Brooksville when she finished college so her<br />

teaching career began at Carver School in Bunnell, Flagler <strong>County</strong>, Florida when<br />

her former principal, Mr. Hunter <strong>of</strong>fered her a job. In1960, she joined <strong>the</strong> Moton<br />

School staff as a second grade teacher. She initiated an adult education program<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Mondon Hill Community where she assisted adults with basic literacy skills<br />

such as alphabets, name writing, and primary school skills.<br />

Annie Mae inspired her daughter, Marie to become a<br />

teacher. Marie was a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first cohort <strong>of</strong> <strong>Black</strong> students to desegregate<br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> High School in 1965. She graduated from HHS in 1967, and later earned<br />

an associate degree from Miami Dade Jr. College, and a bachelors degree from<br />

<strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> South Florida. After earning her degrees, she returned to her<br />

alma mater to teach special education. A plaque was placed on <strong>the</strong> Mid-Florida<br />

Community Services Building on School Street in her honor <strong>by</strong> family.<br />

Mo<strong>the</strong>r and daughter were both active members <strong>of</strong> Mt. Zion African Methodist<br />

Episcopal Church, where <strong>the</strong>y served in many capacities. Marie was active with<br />

<strong>the</strong> Special Olympics and prison ministry. She also served as director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Kennedy Youth Club (KYC), prior to her demise. Marie enjoyed traveling<br />

especially to Freeport and Nassau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bahamas. Annie Mae was a member <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Moton High School Reunion 50th Anniversary Celebration, 1939-1989<br />

Steering, Decorations, History, and Alumni Committees, Queen Elizabeth Chapter<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eastern Stars, Heroines <strong>of</strong> Jericho, Citywide Mission, Minister Layman-Alliance<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., and <strong>the</strong> Friendly 12 Club. Annie Mae was a founding<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />

Annie Mae was married to Sam for 63 years and <strong>the</strong>y had three children: Calvin, Marie<br />

and Pamela; and Marie had one daughter, Erica.<br />

Sponsor: Calvin Lawson<br />

"Virtue knows no color line." Ida B. Wells


MAY <strong>2022</strong><br />

MENTAL HEALTH<br />

AWARENESS<br />

MONTH<br />

OLDER<br />

AMERICANS<br />

MONTH<br />

National Day <strong>of</strong><br />

Prayer<br />

Cinco de Mayo<br />

Military Spouse<br />

Appreciation<br />

Day<br />

National Nurses<br />

Day<br />

Scholar Day<br />

Mo<strong>the</strong>r's Day<br />

1913, Clara Stanton<br />

Jones, first <strong>Black</strong><br />

President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

American Library<br />

Association, born<br />

Peace Officers<br />

Memorial Day<br />

1954, U.S. Supreme<br />

Court declares<br />

segregation in public<br />

schools<br />

unconstitutional in<br />

Brown v Board <strong>of</strong><br />

Education decision<br />

1896, Plessy vs<br />

Ferguson, Supreme<br />

Court upholds <strong>the</strong><br />

doctrine <strong>of</strong> "separate<br />

but equal" education<br />

and public<br />

accommodations<br />

1993, University <strong>of</strong><br />

Virginia pr<strong>of</strong>essor Rita<br />

Dove appointed to U.S.<br />

poet laureate<br />

1925, Malcolm X<br />

birthday<br />

Florida<br />

Emancipation<br />

Day<br />

Armed Forces<br />

Day<br />

1854, Lincoln<br />

University (PA), <strong>the</strong><br />

nation's first <strong>Black</strong><br />

college is founded<br />

Memorial Day<br />

1968, Moton High<br />

School last class<br />

graduation


Carrie Martin<br />

05/12/1930 – 09/16/2014<br />

Carrie Belle Land-Martin was a native <strong>of</strong> Brooksville, descendant <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

oldest <strong>Black</strong> families in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Timmons, and was Moton High<br />

School Class <strong>of</strong> 1948 valedictorian. Jennie Wright, her mo<strong>the</strong>r’s sister, a<br />

Tuskegee Institute (University) alumna encouraged Carrie to attend <strong>the</strong> world<br />

renowned Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama where she earned a<br />

bachelor <strong>of</strong> physical education degree in 1953, and master <strong>of</strong> education<br />

degree in 1962. She began her teaching career at Jenkins High School in<br />

Perry, Taylor <strong>County</strong>, Florida. She taught grades 7-12, and 7th grade<br />

ma<strong>the</strong>matics from 1955-1961. Mrs. Martin waited six years for a teaching<br />

position in Brooksville at which time she taught Special Education and 5th<br />

grade regular classes in <strong>the</strong> newly integrated schools in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />

Carrie was awarded Teacher <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Month <strong>by</strong> FDLRS/SRINGS; an associate<br />

center <strong>of</strong> Ocala, FL, for her accomplishments and in recognition <strong>of</strong><br />

outstanding qualities <strong>of</strong> instruction in April 1977.<br />

Carrie retired from <strong>the</strong> teaching pr<strong>of</strong>ession in 1985 after 29 years; 6 years<br />

in Taylor <strong>County</strong> and 23 years in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>. Most <strong>of</strong> her career occurred<br />

during segregation and she was paid less than her White peers even when <strong>Black</strong>s<br />

held equal or superior credentials. Carrie kept her focus on preparing her students.<br />

As an elementary teacher, she taught all students regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir reading and communication skills. She<br />

divided her students into groups according to ability and subject, and provided equal time to all. In spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

pay discrimination, Carried lived a balanced and focused life. A plaque was placed on <strong>the</strong> Mid-Community<br />

Services Head Start <strong>of</strong>fice wall on School Street in her honor <strong>by</strong> her sister. Hazel Land. Teaching was her<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ession, building and maintaining a healthy community was her passion.<br />

After retirement, Carrie worked as a volunteer at Blanche Cambric Academy, <strong>Inc</strong>., an award winning after-school<br />

cultural enrichment program. She has received plaques for dedicated services to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Branch,<br />

NAACP in 1976 and 1984. She attended as a delegate to a number <strong>of</strong> national NAACP conventions in Boston, New<br />

York, Detroit, Dallas, Miami and Houston. Carrie was a member <strong>of</strong> Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church and<br />

served in various capacities, as financial secretary, youth director, Christmas programs, and senior women’s<br />

mission. Additionally, she was a founding member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>,<br />

and a member <strong>of</strong> Moton High School Reunion 50th Anniversary Celebration 1939-1989 Steering and Journal<br />

Committees.<br />

She met & was married to Charlie Martin for more than 53 years. Her parents were <strong>the</strong> late Allie Mae & Esau Land.<br />

Sponsors: Colonel Peter Burnett USA (Ret.) & Family<br />

“In order to see where we are going, we not only must remember where we have been, but we<br />

must understand where we have been.” ― Ella Baker


JUNE <strong>2022</strong><br />

BLACK MUSIC<br />

APPRECIATION<br />

MONTH<br />

Flag Day<br />

U.S. Army<br />

Birthday<br />

Fa<strong>the</strong>r's Day<br />

Juneteenth<br />

1865, <strong>Black</strong>s in Texas are<br />

notified <strong>of</strong> Emancipation<br />

Proclamation issued in<br />

1963. "Juneteenth"<br />

marks <strong>the</strong> event.


Betty Morgan<br />

12/06/1935 – 12/10/2017<br />

Betty Jo Washington Morgan was a native <strong>of</strong> Brooksville and salutatorian for<br />

Moton High School Class <strong>of</strong> 1953. Social change was in <strong>the</strong> air with <strong>the</strong> Great<br />

Depression ending and <strong>the</strong> modern civil rights movement was emerging. She<br />

started her college education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.<br />

Marriage and family delayed completion <strong>of</strong> her education until <strong>the</strong> last <strong>of</strong> her<br />

five children were born. She persevered, earned her bachelor’s from Saint Leo<br />

College (now university). From a young age, Betty aspired to become a<br />

teacher, one <strong>of</strong> a limited number <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional occupations accessible to<br />

African Americans in <strong>the</strong> south, particularly in rural communities such as<br />

Brooksville. Being a wife and mo<strong>the</strong>r would prove essential to her success as<br />

a teacher, more so than any class she took in college. Matter <strong>of</strong> fact, as a<br />

mo<strong>the</strong>r, Betty was a teacher, mentor, counselor, role model and comforter<br />

who demonstrated <strong>the</strong> grit and work ethics that were taught to her <strong>by</strong> her<br />

mo<strong>the</strong>r, teachers and aunts.<br />

Mrs. Morgan taught for Head Start for 8 years, and she taught kindergarten for<br />

24 years in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> public school system. As evidence <strong>of</strong> her<br />

teaching effectiveness, she was selected as Moton’s Teacher <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year in 1998.<br />

Betty Jo Morgan was a loyal and faithful member <strong>of</strong> First Baptist Church <strong>of</strong> Shady Rest in Brooksville, FL, where she<br />

played <strong>the</strong> piano for over 60 plus years. She also served as a pianist for Bethlehem Baptist Church, Allen Temple<br />

African Episcopal Methodist Church, <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Male Chorus and various choirs throughout <strong>the</strong> community as<br />

well as Vacation Bible School. Betty was a community-minded woman who shared her talents for far less than <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

monetary worth, <strong>of</strong>tentimes without compensation. She is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last pianists who could read music. She was a<br />

member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministerial-Layman Alliance <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, Meals on Wheel, <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>’ <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, Moton High School Reunion 50th Anniversary Celebration 1939-1989 Steering, Awards and Plaque<br />

Committees. Under her leadership in <strong>the</strong> 70s, First Baptist Church boasted having one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> finest junior choirs in <strong>the</strong><br />

county.<br />

Betty enjoyed serving her community, but only <strong>the</strong> Good Lord came before her immediate family. She taught her<br />

children and grands how to play Chopsticks and enjoyed decorating her home in seasonal <strong>the</strong>mes such as Christmas,<br />

Easter, Valentine Day and Thanksgiving. She was <strong>the</strong> consummate team player; loyal, and dependable.<br />

She was one <strong>of</strong> Harry Sr. and Lavern Washington's 9 children. She was married to Harold Morgan Jr (deceased)<br />

and from this union were 5 children: Valerye Morgan, Harold Morgan, Jr,, Gregory Morgan, Marilyn Knight, and Lynn<br />

Morgan. Her favorite quote was “If I can help somebody as I travel along <strong>the</strong>y way, <strong>the</strong>n my living has not been in vain.”<br />

Sponsors: Lynn Morgan and Family<br />

<br />

“Freedom, <strong>by</strong> definition, is people realizing that <strong>the</strong>y are<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir own leaders.” ― Diane Nash


JULY <strong>2022</strong><br />

Independence<br />

Day<br />

1918, Nelson Mandela<br />

is born<br />

National Parents<br />

Day


Carrie Warren<br />

1941-<br />

Carrie Johnson Parker-Warren, a native <strong>of</strong> Ocala, Florida and <strong>the</strong> second <strong>of</strong> seven<br />

children, is a 1958 graduate <strong>of</strong> Howard High School and exemplifies <strong>the</strong> best<br />

<strong>of</strong> African American Christian values: faith, hope, work ethics, service, and<br />

determination. Starting early in life, she has experienced success after success.<br />

Carrie was an honor student who was active in extracurricular activities. She was<br />

also a majorette, played <strong>the</strong> clarinet in <strong>the</strong> marching band, member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dance<br />

team, ran track, played basketball and tennis and sang in <strong>the</strong> school’s choir. She,<br />

her mo<strong>the</strong>r, and sister were all crowned queens, Miss Paradise Park and she was<br />

a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school’s homecoming court. The encouragement she received<br />

from her family, teachers and community was instrumental in her winning a<br />

scholarship to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She even visited<br />

Tuskegee Institute (University) as a part <strong>of</strong> a science competition.<br />

At FAMU, Carrie was as active at <strong>the</strong> university as she was in high school. The<br />

physical education major was a frequent presence on <strong>the</strong> dean's list and found<br />

time to be a cheerleader, participate in a dance group, archery, and <strong>the</strong> gymnastic<br />

teams. Carrie pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Divine 9. Her sorority<br />

bro<strong>the</strong>rs voted her Miss Phi Beta Sigma at FAMU. After college, she was hired at<br />

Booker T. Washington High School in Inverness, Florida to teach middle school<br />

science. There, she experienced ano<strong>the</strong>r level <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cruelty <strong>of</strong> Jim Crow segregation<br />

when she discovered that she did not have textbooks for her students, not even secondhand<br />

books from White students. Her future husband, Leaman Parker loaned her some books and eventually won her heart.<br />

They were married in 1965 and she became a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Moton High School staff in Brooksville. She taught science<br />

and physical education at Moton, Brooksville Elementary, and Mitchell L. <strong>Black</strong> Elementary for approximately 15 years. She<br />

moved to Gainesville in 1981 when Leaman retired. Along <strong>the</strong> way she earned a master’s from <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> South<br />

Florida. She retired as an administrator at P.K. Yonge, a developmental research school, managed <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> University Of<br />

Florida College Of Education. Carrie retired in 1996.<br />

Carrie was a founding member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong> <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>. She is presently involved in many<br />

organizations including Gainesville Chapter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Links, <strong>Inc</strong>., Opinionated Ladies Book Club, and Excelsior Matrons, <strong>Inc</strong>. She<br />

serves as a board member <strong>of</strong> Altrusa House <strong>of</strong> Gainesville (Daycare for seniors), Women’s Forum <strong>of</strong> Gainesville, Florida<br />

Network, <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Caucus</strong> <strong>of</strong> Alachua <strong>County</strong>, Interested Women Involved in Various Endeavors <strong>of</strong> Society, and appointed to<br />

<strong>the</strong> Stephen P. Mickle Planning Committee <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> Honorable Stephen P. Mickle family. Hence, she was <strong>the</strong> first black<br />

female chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Code Enforcement Board in <strong>the</strong> City <strong>of</strong> Gainesville. She worships at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist<br />

Church /Greater Liberty Hill United Methodist Church. Carrie enjoys playing tennis about 4 times a week collecting<br />

antiques, and gardening. She is <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> one son, Scott L. Parker.<br />

Sponsor: Scott L. Parker<br />

"It does not matter how strong you opinions are, if you don’t use your power for positive<br />

change, you are, indeed, part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> problem." Coretta Scott King


AUGUST <strong>2022</strong><br />

U.S. Coast<br />

Guard Birthday<br />

1961, Barack Obama is<br />

born<br />

National Purple<br />

Heart Day<br />

National Senior<br />

Citizens Day


Naomi Walker & Clarence Walker<br />

1927-2017 1928-1986<br />

Naomi Barnett-Walker was a native <strong>of</strong> Aberdeen, North Carolina, and a 1945<br />

graduate <strong>of</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Pine High School in Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Pine, North Carolina. Upon<br />

receiving her bachelor's degree from Teachers College (Fayetteville State<br />

University) in Fayetteville, North Carolina, she later earned a master’s <strong>of</strong><br />

education degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and one<br />

in education specialist with certification in supervision .<br />

She met and married Clarence Willie Walker from Keysville, Georgia, a<br />

Korean War Veteran. She spent her career as an early childhood teacher; and<br />

she advised Clarence to use <strong>the</strong> G. I. Bill to pursue a degree in agriculture at<br />

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a master’s <strong>of</strong> education. In<br />

1958, Clarence was <strong>of</strong>fered <strong>the</strong> agriculture instructor job at Moton High School to<br />

replace John Floyd, Sr., who had been recently promoted to principal. They took<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fer on a promise that <strong>the</strong>re would be an opening for Naomi <strong>the</strong> next year.<br />

The promise was kept and after a year <strong>of</strong> being separated, with Clarence in Brooksville,<br />

Naomi completed <strong>the</strong> school year and she and <strong>the</strong>ir two young daughters relocated from<br />

Tallahassee and joined him permanently for <strong>the</strong> 1959-1960 school term. She joined <strong>the</strong><br />

staff in 1959. They arrived in <strong>the</strong>ir early 30s and never looked back at Tallahassee. North<br />

Carolina or Keysville. They invested <strong>the</strong>ir lives into making Brooksville a better place, becoming<br />

<strong>the</strong> quintessential role model couple.<br />

They were partners not only as educators, but as members <strong>of</strong> Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Frederick Kelly Elk<br />

Lodge 1270, Kelly Temple 1004 and many o<strong>the</strong>r organizations. Naomi was a founding member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Educators'</strong><br />

<strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, and she also helped launch <strong>the</strong> South Brooksville Community Sheriff Substation. In 1980,<br />

Clarence became <strong>the</strong> first African American in <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> since Reconstruction to run for <strong>County</strong> Commissioner with<br />

Naomi as his treasurer. They were <strong>the</strong> only husband and wife team on <strong>the</strong> Moton High School staff who became charter<br />

members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Brooksville Branch NAACP in 1966. Naomi was <strong>the</strong> only female member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> staff to become a charter<br />

member. They were excellent teachers who were known for <strong>the</strong>ir generosity. They gave <strong>the</strong>ir pastor, Reverend, Alex<br />

Harper, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church a car which assisted him in earning a degree from Florida Memorial College in<br />

Saint Augustine. Naomi was also a member <strong>of</strong> Moton High School 50th Anniversary Celebration 1939-1989 Steering<br />

Committee.<br />

The Walkers are <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> three children Germaine Walker, Carlete Ingrid Brown and Marcel Walker. A plaque was<br />

placed on <strong>the</strong> Mid-Community Services <strong>of</strong>fice wall on School Street in <strong>the</strong>ir honor <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir family.<br />

Sponsors: Frederick Kelly Elk Lodge 1270 & Kelly Temple 1004<br />

<br />

“Greatness is not measured <strong>by</strong> what a man or woman accomplishes, but <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.” ― Dorothy Height


SEPTEMBER <strong>2022</strong><br />

NATIONAL<br />

SICKLE CELL<br />

ANEMIA<br />

AWARENESS<br />

MONTH<br />

1993, Condoleeza<br />

Rice named provost at<br />

Stanford University,<br />

becoming <strong>the</strong> youngest<br />

and first African<br />

American to hold <strong>the</strong><br />

position<br />

Labor Day<br />

1965, Desegregation<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />

Schools<br />

1954, Washington DC<br />

and Baltimore, MD<br />

public schools<br />

integrated<br />

Patriot Day<br />

Grandparents'<br />

Day<br />

U.S. Air Force<br />

Birthday<br />

Citizenship Day


Jennie Wright & Brenda Cason<br />

1919-2002 07/28/1950 – 2020<br />

Jennie Larry-Wright and Brenda Wright-Cason, mo<strong>the</strong>r and daughter, are Brooksville,<br />

Florida natives and first and second generation <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> educators whose<br />

career paths have similarities. Jennie, Brenda’s mo<strong>the</strong>r completed her secondary<br />

education in 1939 at Middleton High School in Tampa, Florida because <strong>Hernando</strong><br />

<strong>County</strong> did not <strong>of</strong>fer high school diplomas to its African Americans. Jennie earned an<br />

associate degree from Florida Memorial College, and her bachelors from Tuskegee<br />

Institute (University), made famous <strong>by</strong> Booker T. Washington, George Washington<br />

Carver, and Tuskegee Airmen. She returned to <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> to teach at a time<br />

when high school graduation for <strong>Black</strong>s was still a new experience. She taught for 39<br />

years, including tenures at Croom, Moton and Brooksville Primary. She retired in 1983.<br />

The Richard and Bonnie Inmon Family had a plaque mounted on <strong>the</strong> Mid-Florida<br />

Community Services Head Start <strong>of</strong>fice wall to commemorate Jennie’s role as a Moton<br />

High School alumna and teacher. Jennie was a charter member (1952) <strong>of</strong> Kelly Temple<br />

#1004 where she served as <strong>the</strong> chaplain.<br />

Brenda was <strong>the</strong> valedictorian <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last class to graduate from Moton High School 1968. She<br />

had been accepted and prepared to enter Tuskegee, following in <strong>the</strong> steps <strong>of</strong> her mo<strong>the</strong>r and cousins, Carrie B. Martin<br />

and Hazel Land until her high school principal talked her out <strong>of</strong> it. She went on to earn a Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Education degree<br />

in 1971<br />

from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), graduating Magna Cum Laude.<br />

She commenced her teaching career in Hillsborough <strong>County</strong> until <strong>the</strong>re was an opening in<br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>. She earned a Master <strong>of</strong> Education degree in early childhood education<br />

in 1977, while still teaching. She also became <strong>the</strong> first African American woman in<br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> to become an assistant principal in <strong>the</strong> desegregated system.<br />

Brenda continued to serve as an assistant principal for various schools until her<br />

retirement in 2007. She loved her students, fellow educators, and took pride in<br />

making a difference in <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> all she encountered.<br />

She was involved in many civic organizations to include <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>,<br />

<strong>Inc</strong>. <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, Democratic <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Caucus</strong> <strong>of</strong> Florida, Delta Sigma Theta<br />

Sorority, African American Club <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>, Rotary International, Take<br />

Stock in Children, Head Start, <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Choir Federation, and Interested<br />

Women <strong>of</strong> Various Endeavors in Society (IWVES) Club. She was a lover <strong>of</strong> music, had<br />

a song for every occasion, and played <strong>the</strong> piano since age sixteen. She was <strong>the</strong><br />

musician for Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Pilgrim Freewill Baptist<br />

Church until her health failed. Brenda transitioned into eternal life on April 17, 2020, after<br />

a ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Brenda is survived <strong>by</strong> her daughter, Keisha Cason.<br />

Sponsor: Keisha Cason<br />

“You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something,<br />

God is not going to put it in your lap.” ― Fannie Lou Hamer


OCTOBER <strong>2022</strong><br />

NATIONAL<br />

BREAST<br />

CANCER<br />

AWARENESS<br />

MONTH<br />

Yom Kippur<br />

2001, Dr. Ruth<br />

Simmons, first African-<br />

American leader <strong>of</strong> an<br />

Ivy League Institution,<br />

elected 18th President<br />

<strong>of</strong> Brown University<br />

Columbus Day<br />

U.S. Navy<br />

Birthday<br />

National<br />

Sweetest Day<br />

National Boss'<br />

Day<br />

1949, Alonza G.<br />

Moron, becomes first<br />

African-American<br />

President <strong>of</strong> Hampton<br />

Institute, VA<br />

Halloween


Hattie Redding<br />

1931-<br />

Hattie Josephine Harris-Redding is a native <strong>of</strong> Titusville, Florida where she graduated<br />

as valedictorian from Titusville Colored School in 1951. After high school, Hattie<br />

enrolled at <strong>the</strong> famed Bethune-Cookman College (University) earning a bachelor’s<br />

degree in secondary education language arts in 1955.While a student at B-CC, she<br />

became a student ambassador, engaging notables such as: President Franklin<br />

Roosevelt and First Lady Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Ms. Marian Anderson, Duke<br />

Ellington and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Ralph Bunch, Ph.D., and o<strong>the</strong>rs. Around <strong>the</strong><br />

time <strong>of</strong> her graduation, <strong>the</strong> world she once knew was changing rapidly. First, <strong>the</strong><br />

Supreme Court had declared <strong>the</strong> separate but equal doctrine unconstitutional in its<br />

1954 Brown v. Board <strong>of</strong> Education Decision paving <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>the</strong> desegregation<br />

<strong>of</strong> public schools and accommodations in general. Then, Mrs. Bethune died and a<br />

decade later, passage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Civil Rights Acts <strong>of</strong> 1964 and Voting Rights Act <strong>of</strong><br />

1965 occurred. Hattie is a heir <strong>of</strong> Mrs. Bethune’s “Last Will and Testament”.<br />

When she commenced her teaching career, she broke her promise that she would<br />

never visit Brooksville again nor make it her home after a high school basketball<br />

game she attended against Moton. She found <strong>the</strong> conditions at <strong>the</strong> school deplorable.<br />

Fate had ano<strong>the</strong>r plan in mind. Hattie joined <strong>the</strong> Moton High School faculty as an English<br />

teacher in 1955. Things were no better when she arrived. Never<strong>the</strong>less, she honored BCC’s<br />

motto: “Enter to learn and Exit to serve” and she made a vow to do whatever she had to, to<br />

prepare her students for life. This vow included lodging with <strong>the</strong> McRae Family until personal housing could be secured. She<br />

never looked back. On November 22, 1963, <strong>the</strong> day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, she walked <strong>the</strong> campus<br />

informing classes that <strong>the</strong> president had been assassinated. She was <strong>the</strong> class <strong>of</strong> 1959 sponsor and for <strong>the</strong> Class <strong>of</strong> 1964<br />

which had one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest college enrollment and completion rate in <strong>the</strong> school’s history. More than 50% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> class<br />

graduated from college or served in <strong>the</strong> military. Her class’ senior trip was to Nassau, Bahamas. The relationship she built<br />

with <strong>the</strong> class <strong>of</strong> 1964 has stood <strong>the</strong> test <strong>of</strong> time as a lifelong commitment. She was a popular player during <strong>the</strong> annual<br />

faculty-student intramural basketball game. She openly joined <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> students <strong>by</strong> wearing a dashiki for <strong>the</strong> first <strong>Black</strong><br />

History Month Celebration to be held at <strong>Hernando</strong> High School. She worked at Moton from 1955-1969 and retired from<br />

<strong>Hernando</strong> High School in 1985. She also worked 9 years for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Sheriff Office. A plaque was placed on <strong>the</strong><br />

Mid-Florida Community Services Head Start <strong>of</strong>fice wall on School Street in her honor <strong>by</strong> MHS Class <strong>of</strong> 1964 and her family.<br />

Hattie is <strong>the</strong> founding secretary for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> Educators’ <strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong>. She is a longtime member <strong>of</strong><br />

Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church and remains active in <strong>the</strong> choir as a musician, member, and secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pastoral<br />

inspirational committee. Her hobbies are reading, doing puzzles, playing <strong>the</strong> piano, and singing. She was a member <strong>of</strong> Moton<br />

High School 50th Anniversary, 1939-1989 Celebration Steering Committee. She is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> elders <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Timmons Family<br />

Reunions.<br />

Hattie is married to <strong>the</strong> late Eugene Redding, Sr. and has one son Eugene “Jerry” Redding, Jr.<br />

Sponsors:<br />

Eugene and Patrice Redding Jr.<br />

“The progress <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world will call for <strong>the</strong> best that all <strong>of</strong> us have to give” Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune


NOVEMBER <strong>2022</strong><br />

Daylight Saving<br />

Time Ends<br />

1900, James Weldon<br />

Johnson composes "Lift<br />

Every Voice and Sing"<br />

widely regarded as <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Black</strong> National An<strong>the</strong>m<br />

Election Day<br />

U.S. Marine<br />

Corps Birthday<br />

Veterans' Day<br />

1915, Booker T.<br />

Washington, educator<br />

and writer, dies<br />

Thanksgiving<br />

Day<br />

<strong>Black</strong> Friday<br />

First Sunday <strong>of</strong><br />

Advent


Eloise Wright<br />

9/15/1924-<br />

Eloise Larry-Wright was born in Bradenton, Florida. Her parents, Saul and Viola Larry<br />

relocated to Brooksville when she was young. Eloise is a member <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong><br />

Brooksville’s largest and oldest <strong>Black</strong> families, <strong>the</strong> Timmons Family. In many ways<br />

she represents <strong>the</strong> character <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community and a model for women. As a nontraditional<br />

college student, it would take her several years to complete her college<br />

education. Being a life-long member <strong>of</strong> Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church, an<br />

affiliate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Baptist Convention, she enrolled at Bethune Cookman<br />

College (now University) in Daytona Beach, Florida. She would continue her<br />

education at Florida Memorial College (now University) in Saint Augustine, Florida.<br />

Eloise never lost sight <strong>of</strong> her goal <strong>of</strong> earning a college education and becoming<br />

a certified teacher. She balanced marriage, mo<strong>the</strong>rhood, and personal interests,<br />

and later career. As <strong>the</strong> racial barriers relaxed, she completed her bachelors at<br />

Saint Leo College (now university) which was a day commute from home to<br />

school. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, Eloise is a woman <strong>of</strong> a few words, not a big talker.<br />

She speaks when it is necessary, but she is someone who “says what she means<br />

and means what she says”. Anyone who has ever known Eloise will testify that<br />

she is known for her kind and encouraging words. She is a listener and observer.<br />

Her presence is registered throughout <strong>the</strong> community. Mrs. Wright taught Head Start<br />

for <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> School Board for 14 years and <strong>the</strong> Kindergarten for Mid-Florida<br />

Community Services <strong>the</strong> remainder <strong>of</strong> her career. She retired in 1988. Even though she is<br />

retired, she continues to inspire young people with encouraging words <strong>of</strong> wisdom. Eloise has been a long-standing<br />

member <strong>of</strong> Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church, where she serves as a deaconess, member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pastor’s aid<br />

committee, former choir #1 member and <strong>the</strong> kitchen committee. She was an active member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Black</strong> Educators<br />

<strong>Caucus</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong> Branch NAACP. She has participated in community events<br />

and rallies and believes in exercising her voting rights. Mrs. Wright enjoys her time communicating with her many<br />

grands, working crossword puzzles, and watching her Tampa Bay Rays. Her children had a plaque placed on <strong>the</strong> Mid-<br />

Florida Community Services <strong>of</strong>fice wall in her honor. Eloise is a charter member <strong>of</strong> #Kelly Temple 1004, where she<br />

served as an escort.<br />

She was <strong>the</strong> only child <strong>of</strong> Saul and Viola Larry. She met and married Earl Wright, and toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>ir union remained for<br />

58 years and yielded 10 children. She has a rich life. She raised her children, took classes in between, and she<br />

welcomes grandchildren and participates in most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family milestone events, such as weddings, graduations,<br />

birthdays, celebrations <strong>of</strong> life, etc. She is blessed in more ways than one but especially with a long, healthy life, within<br />

a few years <strong>of</strong> her centennial.<br />

Sponsors: The Wright Children-Earl, Robert, Jacquelyn, Mary (deceased), Saul, Jane, Larry, Ronnie, Gary, and Jorge<br />

<br />

“I believe <strong>the</strong>re is only one race - <strong>the</strong> human race.” ― Rosa Parks


DECEMBER <strong>2022</strong><br />

Pearl Harbor<br />

Remembrance<br />

Day<br />

U.S. National<br />

Guard Birthday<br />

1829, John Mercer<br />

Langston,<br />

congressman and<br />

founder <strong>of</strong> Howard<br />

University Law<br />

Department, born<br />

1883, William A.<br />

Hinton, African-<br />

American on Harvard<br />

Medical School faculty,<br />

born<br />

Hanukkah<br />

1875, Carter G<br />

Woodson, educator,<br />

"Fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>Black</strong><br />

History" born<br />

Christmas<br />

Eve<br />

Christmas<br />

Day<br />

Kwanzaa<br />

Principle:<br />

Umoja<br />

Kwanzaa<br />

Principle:<br />

Kujichagulia<br />

Kwanzaa<br />

Principle:<br />

Ujima<br />

Kwanzaa<br />

Principle:<br />

Ujamaa<br />

Kwanzaa<br />

Principle:<br />

Nia<br />

New Year's Eve<br />

Kwanzaa<br />

Principle:<br />

Kuumba


There's only one thing left<br />

to say,<br />

<br />

"THANK YOU!"


To purchase a calendar, please<br />

reach out to a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Black</strong> <strong>Educators'</strong><br />

<strong>Caucus</strong> <strong>Inc</strong>., <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hernando</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />

Or call 352.444.5414

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