Oral history series at the Woodson elevates living history through St. Pete’s Legacy Keepers

Pictured: (l-r) Bishop Dr. Clarice H. Pennington, Thomas “Jet” Jackson, and Lois Grayson. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

In a city rich with history, yet too often absent from the written record, the Woodson African American Museum of Florida ensures that the stories of those who lived it are not lost to time, but lifted, preserved, and passed on.

Launched in August 2025, “At the Feet of the Elders” was not only an oral history series; it was a sacred gathering of wisdom, memory, and truth.

Moderated by culture and history advocate Heaven Taylor-Wynn, this series was designed to center the voices of residents aged 80 and older. The initiative created space for elders to reflect on life in segregated St. Petersburg, the long road toward integration, and the faith and resilience that sustained their communities. 

During the seven heavily attended or sold-out sessions, the series reflected a community eager to listen, learn, and honor those who carried history forward. The elders represented generations of leadership across education, military service, ministry, civic engagement, law enforcement, and the arts.

Their stories serve not only as reflections of the past but as guideposts for the future.

Pictured: The Storyteller by Kathleen Wilson

Honoring the Voices of Our Elders

Pictured: Moderator Heaven Taylor-Wynn with (l-r) Mozell Reese-Davis, Ruben Mayes and Inez Ford. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

Mozell Reese-Davis – A proud St. Petersburg native, Mrs. Davis devoted 38 years to Pinellas County Schools as an educator and advocate for student success. Her lifelong commitment to civic and spiritual service reflects a legacy of leadership and mentorship.

Inez Ford – With more than 75 years of service to her community and to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as a Diamond Member, Mrs. Ford’s enduring commitment continues to inspire generations.

Ruben Mayes – A Hall of Fame educator, championship track and field coach, and longtime deacon at Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church, Mr. Mayes has mentored generations through both education and faith.

Pictured: (l-r) Rev. Theodore “Ted” Lockhart, Delceda Thompson, and Barbara Shorter. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

Rev. Theodore “Ted” Lockhart – A retired United Methodist minister, Air Force veteran, and author, Rev. Lockhart remains a dedicated spiritual leader and steadfast advocate for The Woodson.

Barbara Shorter – A history-making educator, Mrs. Shorter became the first African American female high school principal in Pinellas County in a century, leaving a lasting imprint on education and community leadership.

Delceda Thompson – An accomplished educator and vocalist, Mrs. Thompson has spent decades shaping young minds while enriching the cultural and spiritual life of the community.

Pictured: (l-r) Bishop Dr. Clarice H. Pennington, Thomas “Jet” Jackson, and Lois Grayson. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

Lois Grayson – With 25 years of service at GE/Lockheed and deep roots in faith and family, Mrs. Grayson’s life reflects commitment to both work and community.

Thomas “Jet” Jackson – A lifelong public servant, Mr. Jackson dedicated more than 50 years to the City of St. Petersburg. The renaming of the Wildwood Recreation Center in his honor stands as a testament to his lasting impact.

Bishop Dr. Clarice H. Pennington – An educator, pastor, and founder of The Christian Generation Center of H.O.P.E. Church, Bishop Pennington’s work bridges faith, education, and community empowerment.

Pictured: Moderator Heaven Taylor-Wynn with (l-r) Betty J. Harden, Helen T. Shaw, and Betty Jean Wall Hayward. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

Betty J. Harden – A lifelong leader and mentor, Mrs. Harden has empowered young women through education and service, remaining active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Gibbs High School alumni community.

Betty Jean Wall Hayward – A public health professional and devoted member of The Alumni Singers, Mrs. Hayward has shared her musical gifts and community spirit for more than four decades.

Helen T. Shaw – A dedicated educator and lifelong learner, Mrs. Shaw’s service spans education, civic engagement, and music, reflecting a life rooted in purpose and community.

Pictured: Moderator Councilman Corey Givens, Jr. with (l-r) Rufus “Jabo” Lewis, Thomas Manuel, Jr, and Louis B. Williams. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

In the sixth installment, Councilman Corey Givens, Jr., of District 7, served as moderator, engaging panelists in a thoughtful discussion of their shared experiences.

Rufus “Jabo” Lewis – A standout multi-sport athlete and Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. Lewis gained national recognition in golf and was later inducted into both the National Black Golf Hall of Fame and the African American Golfers Hall of Fame. His legacy also includes civil rights advocacy and co-founding organizations that preserve the historic legacy of Gibbs High School.

Thomas Manuel, Jr. – A veteran, skilled tradesman, and lifelong golfer, Mr. Manuel served his country during the Vietnam era and later dedicated 28 years to the Pinellas County School System. His life reflects discipline, service, and community connection.

Louis B. Williams – A veteran, educator, and public servant, Mr. Williams served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and built a career spanning law enforcement, education, and federal service. His lifelong commitment to service reflects a deep investment in community and country.

Pictured: (l-r) Teresena Wise Bryant, Ruth D. Johnson, and Gwendolyn “Gwen” Wade. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

Executive Director Terri Lipsey Scott moderated the seventh in a series, guiding panelists through reflections on their early education and the challenges faced through their early work experiences.

Ruth D. Johnson – A devoted spiritual leader and mentor, Ms. Johnson serves as a Deaconess, Bible teacher, and licensed minister at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. A longtime NAACP member and retired U.S. Postal Service leader, she has also ministered in the Pinellas County Jail for over 20 years. Her life reflects faith, service, and a commitment to uplifting others.

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Wade – A pioneering pharmacist, Mrs. Wade built a career spanning over 50 years, becoming the first African American female Director of Pharmacy in St. Petersburg. A Gibbs High School co-valedictorian and Xavier University graduate, she was honored as a 2026 First Lady in African American History. Her legacy reflects leadership, excellence, and service.

Teresena Wise Bryant – A respected civic leader and descendant of the historic Gas Plant community, Ms. Bryant has dedicated her life to education and service. Recognized in Who’s Who Among Black Americans, she has served on numerous boards and remains active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Her legacy reflects resilience, leadership, and community impact.

Pictured: newscaster Saundra Weathers with (l-r) Commissioner Dr. René Flowers, Mayor Kenneth Welch, and Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders. All images courtesy of the Woodson Museum. 

 Black History Month Leadership Series

Building upon the powerful foundation of its elders, The Woodson expanded the conversation during Black History Month with a special leadership series featuring local elected officials who stand on the shoulders of those who came before them, while continuing to shape the future of the city.

The discussion was moderated by award-winning journalist and newscaster Saundra Weathers, offering insight into leadership, legacy, and the responsibility of public service.

Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders – A lifelong resident and Florida A&M University graduate, she made history as the first African American to represent District 5 on the City Council, bringing a legacy of service across corporate, nonprofit, and civic spaces.

Commissioner Dr. René Flowers – Raised in St. Petersburg as the youngest of 12, Dr. Flowers has served on the School Board, City Council, and now the Pinellas County Commission as its first African American female member. Her leadership continues to advance equity and opportunity throughout the community.

Mayor Kenneth Welch – A son of the historic Gas Plant community, Mayor Welch has dedicated his life to public service. After two decades on the County Commission, he now serves as St. Petersburg’s first African American mayor, offering visionary leadership rooted in lived experience.

Executive Director Terri Lipsey Scott explains, ‘At the Feet of the Elders’ continues The Woodson’s mission of preservation, education, and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of those who helped shape St. Petersburg’s history is not only remembered, but deeply honored and revered.”

In honoring both elders and emerging leaders, the museum affirms a powerful truth: that history lives not only in archives, but in the voices, experiences, and enduring wisdom of those who walked it and those committed to carrying it forward.

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