Cultural Celebrations Artists Alfred Hair

Alfred Hair was a native of Fort Pierce, Florida. He was the leader of a group of African American painters known as the Florida Highwaymen.

The Florida Highwaymen formed in the late 1950’s. The members of the group, with the exception of Alfred Hair, were self-taught. The group included one female.

At this time, the majority of African American painters would paint to show the depiction of civil rights. The Florida Highwaymen were unique, because they only painted Florida landscapes.

The Highwaymen were not allowed to participate in art shows at white only museums and art galleries. However, they were able to make a living without working in the citrus groves, which was typical work for in Florida at that time.

From the mid- 1950’s to 1970’s, the Highwaymen created an estimated 200,000 works and have surpassed that number in the subsequent decades.

Today you can find the Florida Highwaymen art displayed in museums across the United States, including the Smithsonian. Athletes Gabby Douglas Olympic Gymnast and Author • Born in December, 1995 (age 25) • Height 5”3; Weight 110 lbs • She took her first tumbling class at age 4. • She spent over 18,000 hours training for the 2012 Olympics. • At the 2012 Olympic Games she was the 1st American to win gold medals in the team and individual all-around events and the 1st African American to win the all-around title. • She also competed on the 2016 Olympic team which won a gold medal. • 2012 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year • 2013 BET Sportswoman of the Year • Author of two books: “Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith” and “Raising the Bar” • Gymastics equipment used by her in the 2012 Olympics is in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. • “The Gabby Douglas Story” is a movie she produced about her life. Ernest (Ernie) Davis Player Ernie Davis • The first African- American athlete to win the in 1961. • Played at in Syracuse, NY. • First-round NFL draft pick for the Browns in 1962. Musicians Finding Purpose In Musical Abilities Ray Charles and Bakari Vashon Ray Charles 9.23.1930 – 6.10.2004 singer, songwriter, Pianist, & Composer

Ray Charles was born in Albany, Georgia. Blinded in childhood by glaucoma, Ray Charles overcame his handicap as he rose to stardom in the 1950’s and 60’s. Ray’s music focused on the genre of soul, and he also mixed rhythm and blues with gospel and other blues styles. Ray was a vocalis, pianist, organist, and played the saxophone. His showmanship as a recording artist led to him being one of the first African Americans to have artistic control of his music. Ray earned 17 Grammys and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. Ten of his recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Ray left his recorded music for us to enjoy after he passed in June of 2004. He was a resident of Beverly Hills, California at the time of his death, and left four children to represent his legacy. Bakari VASHON

Bakari Vashon is a songwriter, drummer, and producer. He is a native of Wakulla County. His musical abilities began to emerge as he played the drums for his local church. By the age of 15 he was playing with quartet gospel groups and touring the southeast. Songwriting began for him when he was in high school. At that time he also formed a group called Tyger Hill that was successful in opening for many musical groups. Mr. Vashon has now opened his own publishing company called The Kollective. This company specializes in writing and producing songs. They are known for creating music catalogues and for working with placement to albums, artists, and TV synchronization. Mr. Bakari Vashon is a name to remember and his story is a shining example of musical talent and success with a purpose. Science WINSTON E. SCOTT Did You Know?

◦ Winston E. Scott was born in Miami, FL on August 6, 1950.

◦ He graduated from Florida State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music.

◦ Scott graduated with a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering in 1980.

◦ In 1992, Scott was selected by NASA.

◦ His time in space included 3 spacewalks that totaled 19 hours and 26 minutes. Visit https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/african_american_astronauts_fs.pdf for more information about other African American astronauts.