Tallahassee Hosts 25th Annual Black History Calendar Reveal

News Summary

Tallahassee State College recently celebrated the launch of its 25th annual Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar. This year’s theme, ‘African Americans in the Workforce,’ honors local leaders for their significant contributions across various sectors. The event included a lunch where students and community members gathered to recognize ten honorees for their achievements and impact in the community. The calendar is available for free public pickup, aiming to inspire future generations by showcasing the accomplishments of remarkable Black individuals.

Tallahassee Celebrates Black History with 25th Annual Calendar Reveal

In a vibrant celebration of local achievements, Tallahassee State College (TSC) has launched its 25th annual Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar, showcasing the accomplishments of remarkable Black individuals in various fields. This year’s theme, “African Americans in the Workforce,” highlights the vital contributions made by local leaders not only within Leon County but also in the surrounding areas of Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties.

A Proud Tradition

The unveiling lunch event took place at noon on a delightful Monday on the campus grounds. It brought together students, faculty, and community members to honor those making a significant difference in their fields. The idea for this inspiring annual calendar was initiated in 2001 by Cherry Hall Alexander, who was dedicated to Black History Month events during her time as director of the college’s Library Services, prior to her retirement in 2009. Since then, the calendar has served as a cherished tradition, benefiting both the college and the community at large.

A Glimpse into 2024’s Honorees

This year, the spotlight shines brightly on a diverse group of individuals recognized for their excellence. Here’s a rundown of this year’s honorees:

• Keith Bowers, recipient of the President’s Award, is the director of the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) for Tallahassee and Leon County. Through his efforts, he has successfully created over 5,000 jobs and is known for advancing economic inclusion through the Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) program.
• Kristi J. Cobb makes waves this February as the first Black female captain of the City of Midway Police Department and the Northwest Florida Panhandle’s first Black female chief of police.
• March’s honoree, Brenda Moss, is a licensed cosmetologist with over 40 years in the beauty industry, and she owns the renowned Private Quarters Salon, honored as one of the 25 Women You Need to Know in Tallahassee back in 2017.
• Camille Lewis, recognized in April, is passionate about urban farming as the CEO of Earth’s Garden LLC and is working towards her doctoral degree in educational psychology.
• In May, LaRoderick McQueen is celebrated as the first Black building code official in the Florida Public School System and serves as the divisional director of support services for the Leon County School District.
• Audrey Alexander, recognized in June, serves as the chief of police at FAMU and has over 29 years of law enforcement experience, along with 24 years as a United States Armed Forces veteran.
• For July, the calendar honors Kenneth Taite, president of Haggai Construction & Development, Inc., who has made history as the first African American construction project manager for FSU.
• Recognizing ReNita Bowman in August, she stands proud as the owner of We Maid It Tallahassee, Inc., recently declared the Best Cleaning Service in Florida!
• In September, Debra Holley is acknowledged for her incredible 35 years of experience in the beauty industry as the owner of Refined Salon.
• Teresa Nix takes the spotlight in October as the co-owner of CWC Cafe, celebrated as the first full-service Black-owned restaurant in downtown Tallahassee.
• In November, Latanua Gilliam is recognized for her longstanding commitment as the Resident Dining Hall director at FAMU, transforming the space into a nurturing environment for students.
• Lastly, Jofree Joseph, co-owner of 305 Brothers All In One LLC, rounds out the year in December with successful contracts across several top universities.

Picking Up Your Calendar

Everyone is welcome to grab a copy of this beautiful calendar, which is free and available for public pickup at TSC’s Hinson Administration Building starting Tuesday through February 28. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the impressive achievements of local leaders and celebrate their contributions.

The Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar not only commemorates significant milestones but also empowers and inspires future generations to reach for the stars in their respective fields.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: TSC Announces its 2025 African American History Calendar Honorees
• WTXL: Tallahassee Celebrates Black History Month with a New Exhibit
• Tallahassee.com: New Black History Exhibit Opens at Tallahassee’s Riley Museum
• Baltimore Sun: African American Studies Classes Are Important in Schools
• Tallahassee.com: Leon County Marks Black History Month with Library Events
• Wikipedia: African American History
• Google Search: African American History Resources
• Google Scholar: African American History
• Encyclopedia Britannica: African American History
• Google News: Black History Month

Author: HERE Tallahassee