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Celebrating Black Excellence at PG

Silvia Davis

"Each day I intend to carry myself with confidence, empathy and grace, and if there is anything I hope to impart to others, it is that. "

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Jamila Gadsden and Carlen Gadsden-Jenkins

"After the loss of our aunt Myra Thompson, one of the victims of the Emanuel 9 massacre, we realized that we had become threads of an intricately woven tapestry that continues to blanket our community. As we continue to honor African Americans both past and present, we recognize that every day we are living their legacy while creating history for generations to come."

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Dr. Lauren Latten '09

"Do your best everyday. Be intentional about the actions that you are taking and most importantly, find your passion, have fun, and spend time with your loved ones and friends."

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Galen Givens-Rowlin'10

"As a black student at Porter-Gaud, be proud of who you are! Don’t shy away from your culture or assimilate differences because that is what makes you unique. All students should take advantage of the excellent education and understand that in the process, they are forming a way of thinking that will help them in many areas of life."

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Sarah Grace Champagne '24

"Definitely my parents by far. They both serve in the military as Lieutenant Colonels…they did not let race present a barrier for them reaching the highest levels in their workplace."

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RJ Smith '06

"I am proud to be a black man living in the south, specifically in Charleston.  My heritage drives me to work hard daily just like my ancestors.  Black culture is important and my wife and I make sure our children understand and love who they are as a black person."

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Flo Sanders

"I watched my mother and I listened to stories my grandmother told us about her life. My mother and my grandmother lived their lives full of love for everyone, also with peace and harmony in their hearts during the worst of times economically and surrounded by lots of social injustices.  My maternal grandfather died at a young age and my grandmother raised their nine children by herself. My dad died at a young age and my mom raised their four children by herself. Their perseverance and determination to keep the faith and never give up inspires me everyday."

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Tyla Johnson '25

"My inspiration in the Black community is the late actress Ms. Cicely Tyson. Over the summer, I read a book about her, Just As I Am. It is an autobiography about her life starting from when she was working at the Red Cross to the red carpet. She inspires me because the dreams she wanted in life did not get handed to her. She had to work for them. I aspire to work for what I want in life."

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Samantha German '10

"The older I get, the more I appreciate our rich history and culture. I am constantly learning and in awe of our complicated, many times devastating, yet still so resilient and beautiful history of my Black people. We have been through so much as a race and have handled situations designed to break us with grace and a strong faith. My ancestors have helped build and shape this country."

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Travis Smith '09

"My ancestors went through everything just for me to be here and that gives me strength. To know that I can get through pretty much anything if my ancestors were able to get through what they got through, and through God's grace I'm here, that's what I'm most proud of being Black."

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Latisha Hendry

"What I have contributed to PG is my ability to help others and provide awareness that there are gifts in all people; no matter the color and diversity."

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James T. McKim, Jr. '79

"My family believed in persistence against all obstacles. It just so happened that the color of our skin was one of those obstacles."

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The Singletary Family

"African American heritage is one of adversity and courage and perseverance of injustice and the long continued fight for equality. Our culture is deeply rooted and connected through our ancestors...it means strength, family, traditions and amazing achievements."

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Sarah Holley | Lower School Art

"I think it's important for ALL people to be exposed to cultures beyond our own and I am fortunate to be in the position to do that in my classroom through art."

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The Brown Family

"I am most proud of the legacy of Black Heritage. The legacy of our ancestors whose shoulders we continue to stand on."

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The Tiller Sisters

"It wouldn’t be the same without her (Maddie) and I couldn’t imagine life without a sister honestly. It’s really nice having a sister, especially one that’s close in age because we understand each other."

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