Special event speaker Tanisha Nunn Gary reflects on journey that began in Lee Street building
The 31st Annual Black History Celebration highlighted “home” this year. The event was held February 28 and recognized the 100th anniversary of the national observance of Black History Month.
The newly launched Isaac Moses Black History Fellowship Day was held Saturday, where it all began in 1995 — the Lee Street Resource Center. The event takes the place of the Cowboy Day and Trail Ride held in past years.
Native daughter Tanisha Nunn Gary returned home to the place she said molded and shaped her into who she is today.
Gary, a former Pierce County resident and Pierce County High graduate, is an attorney and currently the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the African American Chamber of Commerce in Central Florida.
“There is indeed no place like home,” Gary said, as she opened her remarks.
She related she stood in the very place where she attended elementary school at what was then Ware Street Elementary, and before that Lee Street High School.
“I ate breakfast and lunch right here and I presented my fourth grade science project right here,” she said.
Gary acknowledged the great sacrifices and contributions of Black leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, but she pointed the spotlight on those at home.
“Mrs. Lannie Fountain planted the seeds in my life for my success. She encouraged me to spread my wings and pursue my dreams,” she said.
The late Mrs. Fountain was a veteran educator who taught in Pierce County Schools during her career.
She pointed to local residents at Scott Chapel United Methodist Church who provided her with a foot locker and a Bible and with the former Patterson Bank who allowed her to serve on the inaugural Junior Board of Directors.
“They shaped me. The folks right here at home. I saved my money in that first Patterson Bank account and had enough to make my down payment at Spelman College,” she said.
Gary remembered her high school yearbook quote and built her remarks around that theme: “Success depends on the second letter: u.”
Gary recounted her struggles to get into law school, even as she studied hard and prepared for her career.
She later related how that hard work was rewarded when she became an attorney and was part of what still stands as the record award for civil lawsuit in North Carolina.
A desire to have more family time, led her to transition from a career as an attorney to her position as CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce in Central Florida.
“The path is now always easy, but your response, your faith and your resilience all matter. Success is up to you.”
Gary was introduced by her son, Christian.
Sandra Jackson gave a tribute to African Americans who have made contributions to their country. Those present also remembered the many black owned business in Pierce County, with some even lamenting the lack of those today.
Isaac Moses, Jr. presided over the event and Isaac Moses, Sr. gave the occasion. Mamie Turner shared a poem written by her brother that described life growing up on the farm in Pierce County.
Elder Jackie Wallace offered the invocation and blessing and the Rev. Morris Pate offered the benediction.
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was sung by those in attendance with Vera Snider accompanying on the piano.
Door prizes were presented.
Lunch featured loaded potato soup, chili and the trimmings and cake and lemonade.
