Carrie Warren 1941- Carrie Johnson Parker-Warren, a native <strong>of</strong> Ocala, Florida and <strong>the</strong> second <strong>of</strong> seven children, is a 1958 graduate <strong>of</strong> Howard High School and exemplifies <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> African American Christian values: faith, hope, work ethics, service, and determination. Starting early in life, she has experienced success after success. Carrie was an honor student who was active in extracurricular activities. She was also a majorette, played <strong>the</strong> clarinet in <strong>the</strong> marching band, member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dance team, ran track, played basketball and tennis and sang in <strong>the</strong> school’s choir. She, her mo<strong>the</strong>r, and sister were all crowned queens, Miss Paradise Park and she was a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school’s homecoming court. The encouragement she received from her family, teachers and community was instrumental in her winning a scholarship to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She even visited Tuskegee Institute (University) as a part <strong>of</strong> a science competition. At FAMU, Carrie was as active at <strong>the</strong> university as she was in high school. The physical education major was a frequent presence on <strong>the</strong> dean's list and found time to be a cheerleader, participate in a dance group, archery, and <strong>the</strong> gymnastic teams. Carrie pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Divine 9. Her sorority bro<strong>the</strong>rs voted her Miss Phi Beta Sigma at FAMU. After college, she was hired at Booker T. Washington High School in Inverness, Florida to teach middle school science. There, she experienced ano<strong>the</strong>r level <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cruelty <strong>of</strong> Jim Crow segregation when she discovered that she did not have textbooks for her students, not even secondhand books from White students. Her future husband, Leaman Parker loaned her some books and eventually won her heart. 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 and physical education at Moton, Brooksville Elementary, and Mitchell L. <strong>Black</strong> Elementary for approximately 15 years. She 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 Florida. She retired as an administrator at P.K. Yonge, a developmental research school, managed <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> University Of Florida College Of Education. Carrie retired in 1996. 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 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 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 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 <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 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 Church /Greater Liberty Hill United Methodist Church. Carrie enjoys playing tennis about 4 times a week collecting antiques, and gardening. She is <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> one son, Scott L. Parker. Sponsor: Scott L. Parker "It does not matter how strong you opinions are, if you don’t use your power for positive change, you are, indeed, part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> problem." Coretta Scott King
AUGUST <strong>2022</strong> U.S. Coast Guard Birthday 1961, Barack Obama is born National Purple Heart Day National Senior Citizens Day