April 7, 2006

Willie E. Gary Serves as Keynote Speaker at University of South Florida’s Black History Month Program in St. Petersburg, Florida

Steve Marshall, Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs at USF, Ron Redwing, United States Congressional Candidate, Willie Gary, Attorney and Chairman of the Black Family Channel, Trinia Cox, President of St. Petersburg NAACP and Goliath Davis, Deputy Mayor for City of St. Petersburg pose for photo during USF’s Black History Month Program in St. Petersburg, Florida

Willie E. Gary recently served as the keynote speaker at University of South Florida’s (USF) Black History Month Program in St. Petersburg, Florida. Students and community members were invited to celebrate the many accomplishments made by Blacks throughout history which have helped today’s society.           

Gary addressed over 300 students, faculty, community members, government officials and religious leaders during the University of South Florida’s Black History Month program entitled “Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions.” The evening’s entertainment included performances by the talented St. Petersburg Soulful Arts Dance Project. St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor Goliath Davis introduced Gary and spoke of his many accomplishments as a famed trial attorney, philanthropist and cable television executive. Gary encouraged attendees to reach back and help the less fortunate and to not catch “amnesia” while striving for success. He also spoke of the sacrifices made by civil rights leaders such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who have helped to pave the way.  

 “Many great men and women have sacrificed and fought hard for civil rights. They deserve to be recognized and remembered during Black History Month,” said Gary. “Thanks to their resolve, opportunities our grandparents only dreamed of having are accessible to all Americans. While striving for our own success, we must not forget to fight for the less fortunate and downtrodden,” continued Gary.