02
SUMMARY
Alderwomen Alicia Miller Blakely, Bernetta
Bryant Lanier, & Kesha Gibson Carter
Debbie Johnson
12. Charlena Brown
17. Dr. Ann Levitt
19. Diana Harvey Johnson
Patricia Harris
23. 24. ANne Allen Westbrook
25. Dr Tonia Howard-hall
26.
27. Shalena Cook-Jones
28. Coco Guthrie-Papy
29. Sonya jackson
30. sabriya scott
31.
07. Vanessa taylor
10. Willie Dean Frazier
14. Natalyn Bates Morris
16. Pastor Joyce C. Hall
21. Lilian grant-baptiste
Betty Jones
18. Rebecca tanner Russell
Wendy Bullens
08.
03
22.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
delores screen daniels flaujae Johnson QUeen Quet ambria berksteiner gabrielle nelson Lisa rundstrom vaughnette goode-walker Tammy Stokes Tammy mosley Weslyn "Mahogany" Bowers04
. Julia Pearce
Celebrating women's History Month and the women who are changing the world locally
WELCOME CONTENT March 2023
This is the third edition of Hello Savannah and we cannot thank you enough for celebrating Savannah's rich women's history and how we can move our community forward. Thank you to all of the contributors.
President and Chief Executive Officer - Julius Hall
Executive Editor- Chantaye
McLaughin
Managing Editor
Natalie Leggette
Senior Editor
Leonora Bogus
Contributing Writers
Robert Bryant, Ph.D., Scott Lorenza, Chantaye Mc Laughlin, Leonora Bogus, Christopher Smith, C.J. Smith, Ph.D., Dr. Amir Toure'
Advertising Director: Natalie Leggette Director of Information Technology: Christopher Smith
05
06
Vanessa Taylor
Community Activist
Who said Social Media Isn’t The News? Well, Vanessa Taylor is showing the world what one woman can do with a camera and a passion for her community and her people. Go anywhere to an event in Chatham County and parts of North Georgia, and if you don’t see Vanessa Taylor there, then it’s probably not newsworthy. In Savannah/Chatham County she’s on every scene reporting via social media, all the important events that should matter to our community. In the Atlanta/North Georgia area, she’s connected to Juneteenth Atlanta, and to big stars in the music and film industry, her favorite being Mr. Lou Gossett Jr himself. Mainstream Media does not report fairly to all segments of the community, but Vanessa is usually on the scene to deliver Our News to everyone . If you need to connect with anybody in any industry, a phone call to Vanessa is all you need to make. Her network of contacts is limitless. She’s often referred to as Air, because she’s everywhere. She’s also the secretary of BEMA, the Black Empowerment Movement Association, and sits on several boards across the state.
07
Debbie Johnson
Port Wentworth, Mayor Pro-Tem
Ms. Johnson was a 17 year employee of The Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. She received her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology and was the first African American woman to serve on the Port Wentworth City Council. She served on the Port Wentworth City Council for many years, and had accomplished a great deal, to include being a pioneer advocator for HB 109 - "Up-Skirting Bill" to make this violation of women a crime punishable by law, and coordinating various events for the City's Feed the Hungry program. Debbie was the first African American Mayor Pro-Tem of Port Wentworth Ga. She was into her second term when she died from complications of a related illness.
Always with a smile on her face, and wanting to see how she could help someone, she was a graduate of
Saint Leo University where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. And also attended North Central University to advance her education in Business Administration & Criminal Justice. She is considered the role model for service in Port Wentworth and has inspired other African American women to seek elected public office.
08
09
Willie Dean frazier
Former Chatham County Commissioner
Known affectionately to many as Deanie, Willie Dean Frazier, was a Savannah born and raised servant of the people. Before her untimely death in 2006, Deanie was the first African American woman sworn in under Savannah’s first African American Judge Eugene Gadgsen. She served the citizens of Chatham County’s 5th District for 14 years. She and Savannah civil rights leader W.W. Law founded the Black Heritage Festival. She was a Savannah entrepreneur and faithful servant. She’s mostly known for testifying for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in his hearings in 1991 for appointment to the court.
10
11
Charlena Brown
Charlena Brown has over thirty years in business with extensive experience in consulting and coaching. A self-starter, she has always been driven to be an entrepreneur and create opportunities for other people. Her first start as an entrepreneur was as the owner and general manager of two restaurants, Charlie Brown's Restaurant and Seafood and Chicken. After being in the restaurant industry for over two decades, Mrs. Brown decided to try her hand in a new career in manufacturing. One weekend, a life changing injury would leave her unable to return to her new career, and back to her original foundation of entrepreneurship.
During recovery she and her husband, Charlie Brown, were able to create a business plan for Good Service, LLC. In 2004, Good Service, LLC would be awarded a contract to manage the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center for the City of Savannah. Good Service, LLC would manage the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center for eight years. As the managing company and Director, Mrs. Brown would place great emphasis on the importance of having a business plan, while making entrepreneurship an easy concept to understand through classes and real life experience. She was able to help hundreds of businesses write business plans and open businesses. Businesses such as Savannah Movie Tours, Freedom Trail Tours, and Randy's Bar Que have benefited from her expertise. These businesses and so many others are still going strong and making an economic impact in the greater Savannah community.
12
13
Natalyn Bates Morris
Councilwoman, Garden City Ga.
Councilwoman Natalyn Morris is happily married to Dennis L. Morris, Sr. They are the proud parents of 2 adult children and 3 adorable grandchildren. She is a graduate of Groves High School and attended Savannah State College (now University). She is a Human Resource Coordinator at Coastal Electric Cooperative where she has been employed for the past 11 years.
She has over 30 years experience in an HR career distinguished by developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization. Her job is to provide strategic leadership by articulating HR needs and plans to the executive management team. She is a national and local member of SHRM (Strategic Human Resources Management), She serve on the City Council for Garden City, GA, serving the “terrific” 3rd District which she was elected to on January 1, 2020. She is a board member for the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity. She is an avid volunteer in her community and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
She is a Garden City Leader who gets things done. She is part of the history making council that is the first ever African American majority council in the city’s history. She is women’s history.
14
15
Pastor Joyce C. Hall
Pastor Joyce C. Hall was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. She grew up in the Hitch Village housing project, where she credits this upbringing as being “the vision and zeal” for the ministry she has cultivated, Living Hope Community Fellowship. She accepted her call to ministry in 1985, serving at Overcoming by Faith Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Ricky Temple. Pastor Hall had a vision to address the disease of hopelessness and transform urban communities by providing them with an opportunity to experience the life changing force of Christ. What started as an outreach ministry, collaborating with various community organizations (Emmaus House, Savannah, Care Center, etc.) soon grew to worship services at the May Street YMCA, Living Hope Ministry was born. Pastor Hall’s ministry continues to thrive today at its current Garden City location with the expectation of winning more souls and making a greater impact on the community at large. Pastoring runs in her veins, Her mother was a pastor, and her brother (U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock) is also a pastor.
16
Pastor Living Hope Community Fellowship Church
Dr. Ann Levitt
SCCPSS Superintendent
Dr. Ann Levett is a Savannah native. As superintendent, she is the embodiment of the vision of SCCPSS, “ from school to the world: All students prepared for productive futures” as she is a product of the Savannah -Chatham County Public Schools herself, having graduated from Beach High School. Dr. Levett knew she wanted to work in the field of education early on beginning her career as a professional educator as a speech and language pathologist in 1976 (SCCPSS), ultimately becoming principal of the Savannah High School. With a professional education career spanning over 30 years, she has held various higher education positions. She served at Yale University School of Medicine and Antioch University to name a few, where she led innovative tenures, overseeing various partnerships, grants and projects. Upon returning to Georgia ,Dr. Levett was appointed by Governors Perdue and Deal to serve on state education boards, where in 2015 she was recognized for her accomplishments in education by theGeorgia senate. She is not only accomplished in the area of education, she is also a published author and nationally recognized public speaker. Dr. Levett has devoted and will continue to devote her career to serving Savannah’s families and students by “Igniting a passion for learning.” Being the Daughter of legendary Policeman/ Coach, Bo Levett, she was a witness to all things “Savannah”, and wanted to make a difference. And what a difference she made.
17
Rebecca Tanner Russell
Weeping Time Coalition Member
Equally outspoken on issues that matter as she is soft spoken in conversation, this woman will always bring receipts.
Rebecca moved down to Savannah to escape the long, cold, Milwaukee winters in 2008. Although she has a degree in Printmaking, by trade, she is a self taught pattern maker, designer and bespoke clothier, with fiercely loyal clients around the world. Locally, she works with a handful of small label designers, guiding them through the process of fleshing out abstract ideas with prototypes, to a final, tested, marketable, and reproducible product. “
18
Diana Harvey Johnson
Former State Senator/ Consultant
If you’re hungry for information, or if you’re ever interested in networking, then Diana Harvey Johnson is that person to call on. Coming to Savannah from Bibb County and noticing a void in good leadership, Ms. Harvey Johnson took her intellectual prowess and moved in the right circles for years, until she became a State Senator.
With a bachelor’s degree from Morris Brown College, and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia in Athens, Johnson taught history at Paine College in Augusta, GA.From Morris Brown University to the University of Georgia, Diana has connected and remains connected to all the key movers and shakers and change agents across the state. She created The Hungry Club Forum of Savannah in 2006, so that she could bring those difference makers together in front of citizens to have a discussion about “what’s next”.
She later created a marketing, media , and public relations firm, Pinnacle Communications Corporation in 2007. This organization and business are vital parts of the fabric of Savannah. It is said, that when Diana calls , you’d better answer. And if you’re hungry, you will get fed.
19
20
Servant Leaders (l-r) 25-year Savannah Branch NAACP President and Civil Rights icon Westley Wallace “WW” Law, State Representative (later State Senator) Diana Harvey Johnson,and U. S. Congressman John Lewis. Circa 1991
Lillian Grant Baptiste
Master Story Teller
Lillian Grant-Baptiste is a storyteller extraordinaire. She is from Savannah, Georgia and an alumna of Savannah State University. Grant-Baptiste is a promoter of her family business ventures - her mother’s business - Touch of Africa and her son’s business - Minding My Black Owned Business.
Grant-Baptiste is a former civil servant with the City of Savannah. In the community planning and development office she sought and worked to empower members of the community. Being a voice for neighborhood pride for generations in Savannah.
Honing her craft to tell the stories of African Americans has made her a valuable asset to this area. Grant-Baptiste tells stories to uplift all those around her. Libations or remembrance ceremonies have become her forte - so she can respect and honor to past, current, and future heroes and sheroes. Master Story Teller.
21
Wendy Bullens
Boss Entrepreneur
Wendy Bullens is a silent force of good in Chatham County. This daughter of Jamaica has made Chatham County her home and financial empire. Bullens is a Real Estate Mogul owning and investing in properties throughout the area. She’s developed residential and entertainment places for all. Her White House on Tybee Island has become “Thee” Place on Tybee Island.
Bullens has become a Restaurateur in Savannah. She opened Kool Vibes Pizza and Wings, the home of the Oxtail Pizza. The restaurant provides a diverse menu for the community and city. She wanted to give the community a variety of food choices with her restaurant.
Philanthropy has been a part of her mission, also. Bullens is aware that the people have supported her so she has felt an obligation to support the people. She has supported a variety of programs and efforts in Chatham County.
22
Patricia Harris
The City of Savannah continues to benefit from the talent and historical lineage connected to the women of it’s fifth district, especially the deeply rooted heritage of the residents. One such link is the cherished educator community that developed many years ago as African American teachers raised families in the fifth. Dr. Patricia Harris and Pastor Betty Jones are two retired educators who found themselves in the fifth district and have been active in protecting the area for many years.
Dr. Patricia Harris is a retired educator and served most recently at the historic Alfred Ely Beach High School. She made a tremendous impact as an educator, given the following she has of former students who she has named “her babies”. Dr. Harris is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and leads efforts to engage and educate her community about voting and civic engagement. Dr. Harris created the fifth district coalition to raise awareness about the value, history, and importance of the fifth district because she noticed a need to offer a voice to represent the community. Her ongoing commitment to community organizing has made the fifth district stronger, especially at city hall where there have been missed opportunities in the spirit of providing resources to the district.
23
Betty Jones
Pastor Betty Jones is a retired educator and served at schools in the Savannah-Chatham County School System. Pastor Jones serves as the president of one of the neighborhood associations where she engages her residents on the concerns that matter. Pastor Jones is also an advocate for the responsible redevelopment of the fifth district fairgrounds project and has voiced her concerns are various meetings and forums. She is also the Associate Pastor at Litway Baptist Church in Savannah and mentors’ younger adults on their values and how to present oneself in public. Her community organizing efforts have helped city leaders realize the resilience and authority that the residents of the fifth district vary – demonstrating love and value for the community.
We salute our elders, educators, family, and neighbors in the fifth district, remembering their teachings as we walk daily in our personal journey. Thank you all for paving a pathway for people like you to walk in spaces where our ancestors could not dare dream to exist.
24
Anne Allen Westbrook
Attorney/ Ga. State Representative
Anne Allen Westbrook, Mother, Lawyer, Advocate, Chatham County native, and elected Georgia State Representative. Anne has served on multiple Chatham area boards, as well as serving as a Cultural Affairs Commissioner for the city of Savannah, which supports the many arts organizations that make up the cultural fabric of Savannah.
A 2001 Law School Grad from the University of Georgia , She has worked in many fields within the law profession, but specializing in insurance defense litigation and family law.
Once elected, Representative Westbrook has been a staunch advocate for doing the right things on the state level. She is especially concerned with Juvenile Justice and Gun Control. Two things people have said about Westbrook is, she shows up where there’s an issue in our community and she listens. Girl Power at its best.
25
Dr. Tonia howard-hall
Chatham County School Board Rep.
Look in the dictionary under Public Servant, and if you don’t find this passionate leader’s photo there, then you should call the publisher and complain, or check the encyclopedia for further reference. Dr. Howard-Hall is always anywhere there is a need to advocate for the students of the Chatham County Public School System. She is the epitome of what great elected representation is suppose to be. After serving 32 years in various roles within the system, starting out teaching to ending up as a program manager for Title 1 Schools, Dr. Howard-Hall felt a calling to continue to serve. She threw her hat in the ring for election to the school board and won by a landslide.
She is noted for being the most unselfish elected official in the state of Georgia.
Going through the public school system and graduating from Tompkins High School in 1979, then on to Florida A&M until 1983, her passion was to touch the lives of our children. She started teaching, all while working on her Masters and Doctor’s degrees and raising two kids. During a time of the unknown, concerning the Covid 19 Epidemic, she was the only board member to vote no, on sending our school children back to class with uncertain data pertaining to their overall safety. After over 40 years of service, she’s still pouring into the lives of our young people. Great things are expected from Great People, and this leader is showing the world why, “Black Girls Rock”.
26
Shalena Cook-Jones
DIstrict attorney
Born and raised in Brooklyn New York, Shalena Cook Jones knew she wanted to be a lawyer at the age of eight. Graduating from one of New York City’s most competitive high schools for gifted and talented students, Shalena moved to Atlanta, Georgia to continue her studies at Spelman College. After completion of her undergraduate studies, Ms. Jones set her sights on law school. She was accepted into the University of Georgia School of Law, where Shalena graduated with honors in 2002 and passed the Georgia Bar that very same year. Beginning her career at an insurance defense litigation firm, Shalena went on to practice in both public and private settings in Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina.
In November 2020, Shalena Cook Jones was elected as the District Attorney for Chatham County Georgia. Discussing the responsibility of her position as District Attorney, Jones shared that the prosecutor’s duty is to the People. It means being careful to identify where implicit bias and historical prejudice are in operation and eliminate them to reduce unfair outcomes. “I am proud to do this job every day and even more proud to do it with and for you, the citizens. Together, we will hold offenders accountable, protect victims of crime and continue to make Chatham County the best it can possibly be.”
27
Coco Guthrie-Papy
Coco Guthrie-Papy is a community organizer, restorative justice practitioner, public policy nerd, and born-and-bred Savannahian. She works as Deep’s Director of Public Policy and Communications, where she develops Deep’s public policy and advocacy positions, as well as working as the organization’s lobbyist.
She received her training as a restorative justice practitioner at the International Institute for Restorative Practices, is a Highlander Education Center Greensboro Justice Fellow, a PEN Prison Writing Fellow, and a People for the American Way’s Front Line Leader Fellow, and has served on southeastern regional boards such as Planned Parenthood Southeast and Georgia 9 to 5. She currently serves as a SWOP behind Bars prison mentor and as a legal observer for the ACLU of Georgia, and has consulted on multiples electoral campaigns regarding policy development, communications strategy, and movement building.
Last but not least, she is a proud clinic escort, an abortion doula serving the state of Georgia, and training to be a full spectrum doula. She believes we can never stop helping one another.
28
Sonya Jackson
The first Black person to be elected as the Chatham County Tax Commissioner, Sonya L. Jackson, promised to leverage her business expertise to improve access to services, educate residents about the tax laws and their rights, and reform government accountability. Jackson leads the Chatham County Tax Commissions office managing a $6.3 million dollar budget and leading a staff of 78 employees. Jackson’s office bills, collects, and disburses approximately $500 million in property and motor vehicle taxes to state, county and local governments and schools each year.
An Alumna of Savannah High School and Savannah State University, Jackson’s choice to serve her hometown has provided great benefit to all citizens in Chatham County. The Tax Commissioner has brought Automated Automobile Tag Renewal Kiosks to the area. The kiosks provide residents with a rapid and safe alternative for tag renewals. Customers are now able to get their decals instantly. Residents can locate the kiosks at Kroger stores on Mall Boulevard, Ogeechee Road, and Wilmington Island. In addition to using the Chatham County Tax Offices’ three locations, residents are encouraged to conduct their business on-line for a variety services.
Working diligently to keep her promises, Jackson is also educating residents about their rights and tax laws through a variety of methods, to include community forums, workshops, and partnership with area organizations.
29
Sabriya Scott
Sabriya Scott is not only selling the American Dream to thousands but more importantly she’s making it a reality. Scott is an entrepreneur, Realtor, and Wealth Developer for individuals and families. She has developed her company, Scott Realty Professionals, into one of the top realty companies in the U.S. Becoming an expert in the field she has become a beacon of light for current and generational wealth.
Scott is an alumna of Savannah High School and Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern University). At AASU/GSU she became a charter member of the Tau Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Scott’s commitment to excellence and to serve people has propelled her into being one of the leaders in real estate ventures in Georgia and South Carolina. Her endeavors has caused her to grow other business ventures: T & J Properties of Savannah and Scott Management & Consulting Services.
All of her efforts have been to uplift people and communities.
30
Alderwomen Alicia Miller Blakely, Bernetta
Bryant Lanier, & Kesha Gibson Carter
This mother, grandmother, military vet, community activist, social media creator, and elected official, is saying it loud, she’s CONSISTENTLY saying it loud. Raising Awareness is her claim to fame. She likes to let the people know, what she sees , hears, and learns, will be communicated to her constituents. She’s never afraid to ask those TOUGH questions, or to Speak Truth To Power. In her words, “Yeah I said it”.
Policy, People, Purpose, Perseverance and Progress. Councilwoman Bryant Lanier is the most qualified official on the council. She has enough education and certification to teach the council. She demonstrates a passion for her community and her district. This former Longshorewoman, is ACCUSTOMED to fighting for what the people needs. Her Campaign slogan was “ GIVE THE PEO -
PLE WHAT THEY WANT”!
Soft spoken, but ferocious on details, policies, and procedures, she’s the advocates advocate.
If Public Servant had a face, hers would be it. This articulate, intelligent, caring, public servant is usually misunderstood because she wears her passion on her sleeves. From her time on numerous civic boards and directing important government departments , to The Rape Crisis Center, Family Promise, and a PLETHORA of other organizations over a 25 year commitment to service, this elected official is bumping heads with the establishment and upsetting the status quo. Bold, Brave, and Determined, this councilwoman reads and then challenges unfair practices and policies. Gone are the days of just showing up to Vote, and BEING A RUBBER STAMP.
Alicia Miller Blakely (far left) Councilwoman Savannah Ga Bernetta Bryant Lanier (middle) Councilwoman Savannah Ga. Kesha Gibson Carter (far right) Councilwoman Savannah Ga.31
32
Delores Screen Daniels
Serial Entrepreneur/Trend Setter
From Jeans Junction, to Styles By Deloris, to Deloris on 37th, to Facials by Deloris, this Trend setting business woman has been showing us how to start, manage, and own your own business since the 70’s. If 1099 had a face, her face would be it.
Always creating a business to make people dress better or to look good , this ageless beauty is what being creative is all about. Her runway fashion and hair shows of the 80’s are what set the tone for entertainment in Savannah. Her comfortable waiting areas in her hair salons and her elegant looking styling areas were always the talk of the town.
Five decades later and she’s still helping clients look good and feel good. She’s what you get when you mix classy, beauty, intelligence, determination. Deloris surely is a living legend.
33
flaujae johnson
Music Artist/ Athlete
Flau’jae Johnson has got talent – 2 ways. Savannah born Johnson has been a star in entertainment as a rapper and as athlete in basketball. One of Savannah’s legendary rappers the late Camoflauge a/k/a Jason Johnson is her father. Her gifts for words, flow, and bars are in her genes. Her Momager (“Half Mom Half Manager) said one of the first time she performed she fell asleep before the performance. Her father Camouflage would fall asleep before his performance.
As it stands it’s no sleeping on either one of them. Flau’jae signed a recording deal with the billionaire Jay Z’s Roc Nation. She performed on “America’s Got Talent”. Prior to that Jermaine Dupri had her as a contestant on “The Rap Game”.
She’s impressive with her skills on the mic and stage but Flau’jae is an even larger standout. Johnson was a stellar performer on the basketball court. Her star loomed large at Sprayberry High School becoming one of the most sought after recruits in the country. After finishing her high school career she took her talents to Baton Rouge - Louisiana State University (LSU). Playing in the tough Southeastern Conference (SEC) Flau’jae Johnson has been named the Freshman of the Year in the Conference.
34
queen Quet
“Yeddi We" here we stand - a Head was placed upon the Body. In July 2002 the former Marqueta L. Goodwine was enstooled as Queen Quet Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation. Queen Quet is from Saint Helena Island South Carolina. She created the Gullah Geechee Sea Island Coalition and AKAN - Afrikan Kultural Arts Network.
She was formally known as an Artivist - an artist who is an activist. Now she is known as the foremost leader regarding matters pertaining to Gullah Geechee people in the US.
She has traveled the world working on behalf of her people and the culture and she is recognized by various governments.
Queen Quet is the first Gullah Geechee person to address the United Nations. In 1999 she addressed the UN's Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. Since that time she has been invited to address other forums at the UN on behalf of Gullah Geechee people.
Side Note - She has left Savannah and Hilton Head native Jamal Touré in the US while on her travels to Brasil and Panama.
35
"When Truth Arrives Falsehood Must Perish"
Ambria berksteiner
Ambria Berksteiner is a Savannah native who graduated from The Savannah Arts Academy in 2013. While attending Savannah Arts Academy as a Visual Arts major, she had the opportunity to participate in the Engineering Explorer Post Program. It was during this experience with the Thomas & Hutton firm that she developed her passion for engineering. Following high school, she attended Spelman College where she majored in Mathematics and was a participant in the Dual-Degree Engineering program. She went on to attend Auburn University where she studied Industrial and Systems engineering completing her dual degree. In 2017, she won the Miss Savannah USA Pageant, gaining the opportunity to compete at Miss Georgia USA. While fulfilling the duties of this prestigious title, she decided to empower young Women of Color in the STEM fields as her pageant platform, launching ‘Operation One STEM at a Time’.
Operation One STEM at a Time is an initiative she solidified on her platform as Miss Savannah USA 2017-2018. The organization educates, enlightens, and empowers young women to pursue STEM-related careers, and Ambria is affectionately considered its mentor-in-chief. Over the past 6 years, she has worked and partnered with The Live Oak Public Libraries, Georgia Tech’s CEISMC program, the Society of Women Engineers, and The Creative Coast. Recently she was appointed to the Live Oak Public Library’s Board of Trustees helping to further cultivate spaces of limitless learning in Savannah. In 2018, Ambria Advocated to local lawmakers the need to recognize women in STEM-related careers in our local community. Due to this lobbying, she was ultimately granted a proclamation for the first Women In STEM Day for the Savannah-Chatham County area. Through her STEM advocacy, she has received numerous awards and honors. Most recently she was recognized by Savannah Magazine as a 2021 New Guard honoree and recognized by the 100 Black Men of Savannah, receiving the organization’s 2021 Leadership Service Award. She was appointed to the Live Oak Public Library’s Board of Trustees and serves on the Woodville Tompkins Technical High School Engineering Advisory Board. Ambria believes that exposure leads to expansion and that she is helping to launch each child closer to their dreams #oneSTEMatatime.
Gabrielle Nelson
Port Wentworth, Ga.
This Young Trailblazer is not only a rising star in Chatham County Ga, but in the state of Georgia. Her campaign model is “Having A Heart”. She does not care about party politics, which often divides instead of uniting, she only cares about the bottom line and how it affects regular citizens. This mother, wife, and advocate is everywhere fighting on the frontlines for everybody’s rights. She’s the past Secretary of the Chatham County Democratic Committee, as well as being on the board of several charitable, civic, and governmental organizations. She’s the second African American female elected in the City of Port Wentworth, following in the footsteps of her cousin Former Mayor Pro-Tem Debbie Johnson. Serving and politics runs in her DNA. We can look to see this young trailblazer in the future setting trends for other young women. This Girl Is On Fire.
37
Councilwoman
Lisa Rundstrom
Community Activist
Lisa Rundstrom is a multi-media artist working in sculptural interactive technologies, video, community and public art. She is a published author and Professor of Foundation Studies at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah GA, where her focus is on 4D, time-based media.
She has exhibited in art centers, galleries, museums and in public spaces nationally. Her most recent works extend in to the community, producing inclusive public art and events including the nonprofit Hello Neighbor SAV & Hello Neighbor Radio featured on community radio and streaming.
Her work with the community extends into coalition building and is a member of the Weeping Time Coalition in effort to preserve the historical site of the Weeping Time Slave Auction in West Savannah and Woodville. She is a certified yoga instructor and community servant.
38
Vaughnette Goode-walker
Vaughnette Goode-Walker is a historian, poet, journalist, educator, cultural advocate and organizer, entrepreneur, truth speaker, legacy holder, museum executive, and torch bearer for truth, justice, and righteousness. One could say she is a multitalented genius. Goode-Walker grew up in Savannah and Chatham County. In fact she went to high school as young girl to Tompkins High School. Her mother taught home economics at Tompkins and at times she had to go there with mother.
Sista V as she is known to many across the globe is a graduate of Saint Vincent’s Academy in Savannah, GA. Later her college experience would take her to the Atlanta, Ga to become a Morris Brown Wolverine. The pride of her alma mater becomes clear as she proudly proclaims “I’m a Brownite”.
Her journalistic career has taken her to Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, and Savannah. She is one of the authors of Brokers, Bankers, and Bay Lane – a tremendous work on the economics and the foundation of Savannah’s wealth –human trafficking of Africans.
The King-Tisdell Cottage and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights have been given new life and new meaning based on her work both museums. Goode-Walker organized some of the first Spoken Word events in Chatham County. A former manager of reggae band is a part of her background.
The fight for human rights is in her blood. The Civil Rights leader, Rev. F. D. Jaudon, “the Walking Preacher”, is her uncle. Goode-Walker stands on his shoulders, and the shoulders of Benjamin Van Clark, W. W. Law, Earl Shinholster, Esther Garrison, and countless others who sought equality and equity for African people here and beyond. She lets be known her work is paying respect and honor to their legacies.
39
Judge tammy stokes
Tammy Stokes is the Chief Judge of Chatham County’s Recorder’s Court in Savannah, Georgia, she also serves as Judge-elect for the Superior Court of the Eastern District.
Judge Stokes has served in Chatham County’s Recorder’s Court since 2004, and became Chief Judge in 2012, making history both times as the first black woman judge, and first black chief judge in Chatham County. Prior to her current work, Stokes served as Judge Pro-Tempore for the City of Thunderbolt, Chatham County Probate Court, and Chatham County Juvenile Court. She also owned a private law practice in Savannah from 1996-2004.
Previously, Stokes served as an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County, and Assistant Solicitor in Dekalb County Solicitor’s Office, and Juvenile Court. She began her law career as a staff attorney with the United States Board of Veteran Appeals in Washington, D.C.
Tammy Stokes received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Georgia Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Georgia. She calls herself a “triple dog” because she also graduated from A.E. Beach High School in Savannah, whose mascot is a bulldog, like the University of Georgia.
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Judge Tammy Stokes dedicates her life to her hometown through both her work and involvement in the community.
40
Tammy Mosley
Clerk of Superior CourT
Having received her undergrad degree from Morris Brown College and her Law Degree from Drake University, Tammie came back home to serve. The Superior Court Clerk is known as The Master Keeper of The Records.
After numerous years working in different areas of the law, from Staff Attorney in Superior Court, to practicing law in the private sector, Tammie sets her sights on the head records keeping job.
Her experience and expertise in the judicial system, provided her the opportunity to show her innovative and energetic vision on how to improve the case management processes.
She volunteers and serves on many boards and organizations in the Savannah-Chatham County area.
Tammie believes in giving back and showing up. She attends every community event engaging with the voters and citizens of her community. This is how she really keeps the records, through Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability. Just check her record, she has the receipts. Tammie is part of why Women Rule The World.
41
weslyn "mahogany" bowers
Community Advocate/Business Owner
You get a book bag! You get a book bag! You get a book bag. You get a turkey! You get a turkey! You get a turkey. Serving others means having a heart, being humble, being steadfast, being passionate, and loving people on top of loving what you do.
Weslyn Mahogany Bowers, exemplifies all of these character traits. She gives without looking to receive, she cares without looking to be cared for. She understands that there are kids that are in need of school supplies , so she created Blessings In A Book Bag. She saw that there were elderly citizens, homeless people, and underserved people that didn’t have food to eat during the holidays, so she organized food giveaways. If there’s a need, she sees it and responds unselfishly. She networks with those that can help her meet the desired outcome. Mahogany, as she’s affectionately called, is in the trenches. She isn’t scared to get her hands dirty or to sweat a little.
This Yoga teacher, community organizer, Radio Personality, social media content creator, personal fitness trainer, motivational speaker and business owner, is a girl on fire.
42
Julia Pearce
Community Activist
When it comes to putting people together, especially people from different races,backgrounds, and cultures, Julia Pearce is the person to see. Julia lives on Tybee Island Ga., which is where Savannah Beach is located. Tybee Island is approximately 98% white, but Julia was still able to organize a MLK Parade and event, and also a ceremony (Juneteenth Wade) on the Island.
She’s soft spoken but forceful in her opinions of the facts and circumstances. She makes sense in a world that seems to be going crazy. Julia is a people’s person, a person that unites instead of dividing , a person that is colorblind instead of blinded by color.
If you’re ever near Tybee, Come Wade in The Water.
43
March - 2023 women's History Month Edition
