February 17, 2025
Tallahassee State College is proud to announce the honorees for the 25th Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar. Each year since 2001, TSC has used the calendar to honor African American individuals committed to making a difference in our community. This year’s theme, “African Americans in the Workforce,” celebrates African Americans’ achievements and significant contributions across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transportation, logistics, hospitality, the service industry, food service, and other skilled trades.
The honorees are as follows:
Keith Bowers (President’s Award honoree)
Keith Bowers is the Director of the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) for Tallahassee/Leon County, where he leads efforts to boost the region's economic competitiveness through innovative programs and partnerships. Under his leadership, OEV has launched initiatives to create more than 5,000 jobs and advance economic inclusion, particularly through the Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) program. Prior to his role at OEV, Bowers served as Regional Director for the Florida Small Business Development Center at FAMU, where he helped create over 9,000 jobs and facilitated $60 million in loans. He is also the founder of The Bowers Group, a consulting firm focused on community development, and has managed millions in housing and mortgage programs at Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Kristi J. Cobb (February)
Tallahassee native Kristi J. Cobb has had a distinguished law enforcement career since 1999, working across various state agencies. She began her tenure with the Midway Police Department in 2010 as a patrol officer and quickly rose through the ranks to become an investigator and lieutenant. In 2021, she made history as the first Black female captain in Gadsden County, and in 2022, she became the first Black female Chief of Police in the Northwest Florida Panhandle. Chief Cobb holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice from Florida A&M University and is a graduate of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute and FBI-LEEDA Trilogy. She is dedicated to restoring community trust, improving officer morale, and promoting wellness through transparent and fair leadership.
Brenda Moss (March)
Lifelong Tallahassee resident and proud graduate of Florida A&M University’s Developmental Research School, Brenda Hannah Moss earned an A.A. in Fashion Merchandising from Bauder Fashion College and a B.S. in Business Administration from Edward Waters University. A licensed cosmetologist for more than 40 years, Moss has owned Private Quarters Salon for 37 years, building a thriving business that has created jobs and provided educational opportunities for aspiring stylists. She has also taught at Lively Technical College and mentored many students who have gone on to successful careers. Moss has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named one of the 25 Women You Need to Know in Tallahassee and receiving the Delta Economic Lifetime Township Award in 2024.
Camille Lewis (April)
Camille Lewis, a Tallahassee native, is an urban farmer, educator, and community advocate currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Psychology at Florida State University. Her research focuses on integrating school gardens and teacher training in agricultural education to foster student engagement and environmental literacy. With over a decade of experience teaching elementary and middle school, Lewis combines her passion for education and agriculture to create sustainable learning opportunities for students and educators. As CEO of Earth’s Garden LLC, she promotes organic farming and works to strengthen the regional food system through partnerships with schools, organizations, and academic institutions. A strong advocate for self-sufficiency, Lewis believes that if you can feed yourself, you can free yourself and works to empower communities to take control of their food supply while promoting sustainability and equity.
LaRoderick McQueen (May)
LaRoderick "Rod" McQueen, a proud Tallahassee native, has built a remarkable 30-year career rooted in dedication, hard work, and community commitment. A graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology, McQueen became the first Black building code official in the Florida Public School System. He currently serves as the Divisional Director of Support Services for the Leon County School District, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality support services. Passionate about economic inclusion, McQueen actively promotes opportunities for minority, women-owned, and small businesses. He also served as an instructor at FAMU, mentoring the next generation of professionals. Outside of his career, McQueen is deeply involved in youth development, coaching local sports and serving on multiple advisory boards, including the City of Tallahassee/Leon County Planning Commission and the Greater Frenchtown/Southside CRA.
Audrey Alexander (June)
Audrey Alexander is the Chief of Police at Florida A&M University, where she leads the campus police department to ensure safety and security for the university community. With more than 28 years of law enforcement experience and 24 years in the United States Armed Forces, she is deeply committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment. Chief Alexander began her career at FAMU, where she developed expertise in community policing, crisis management, and investigations, eventually rising to leadership roles, including interim Chief of Police. She successfully oversaw the department’s reaccreditation, ensuring the highest standards of law enforcement excellence. Outside of her professional duties, Chief Alexander is passionate about community service, enjoys traveling, and is actively involved in several professional organizations.
Kenneth Taite (July)
A seasoned construction management professional with more than 25 years of experience in the design and construction industry, Kenneth E. Taite serves as President of Haggai Construction & Development, Inc. He holds a B.S. in Architecture from Florida A&M University and an M.S. in Building Construction and Design from the University of Florida. Taite began his career in construction as a concrete laborer and crew foreman before working as a project engineer for Holder Construction Company, where he contributed to major infrastructure projects. He is recognized as the first African American construction project manager for both Florida State University and the Department of Management Services, leading projects like the Westcott Building and the Florida Supreme Court. Since founding Haggai Construction & Development in 2003, Taite has managed numerous residential and commercial projects for high-profile clients.
ReNita Bowman (August)
A native of nearby Quincy, ReNita E. Bowman is the youngest child of the late Forest and Hazel Bowman, Sr. Her father’s entrepreneurial spirit, running a shoe repair business in Gadsden County, inspired her to pursue a career grounded in hard work and service. Bowman spent 17 years in state government, excelling in human resources and earning a reputation as a problem solver. She furthered her education with degrees from Tallahassee State College and Florida State University while working full-time to honor a promise to her late mother. In 2020, Bowman launched We Maid It Tallahassee, Inc., which quickly flourished and was named the Best Cleaning Service in Florida by The Florida Guide in 2023. As a proud mother of four, Bowman balances her career with family life and remains deeply committed to mentoring others and staying rooted in her community.
Debra Holley (September)
Debra Ann Holley is an independent contractor, manager, and the proud owner of Refined Salon in Tallahassee, Florida, with more than 35 years of experience in the beauty industry. Having served more than 700 patrons, Holley is committed to continuous learning, attending seminars and workshops to perfect her craft. In October 2019, her work was featured on the cover of Pulse Magazine, a notable local publication. Refined Salon is more than just a business; it’s a cultural hub where African American women come together to transform their hair and engage in meaningful conversations about politics, culture, and personal growth. Holley, who views her cosmetology career as a divine gift, mentors the next generation of hairstylists, instilling in them the same passion, wisdom, and dedication she brings to her work every day.
Teresa Nix (October)
Teresa Nix, a Tallahassee native, has built a diverse career spanning accounting, auditing, education, and entrepreneurship. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 1987 and worked for over 25 years with state agencies and non-profits. After earning a Master’s in Applied Social Science from FAMU in 2011, she is now pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Florida State University. In 2014, Nix and her husband opened a café and catering company, which became the first full-service, Black-owned restaurant in downtown Tallahassee’s Kleman Plaza. Beyond her business success, Nix is actively involved in her community, having served on the Oak Ridge Elementary School Advisory Council and as Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Southside. In 2024, she was honored by the Tallahassee Democrat as part of their “25 Women You Need to Know” recognition.
Latanua Gilliam (November)
A dedicated advocate for empowerment and well-being, Latanua “Tobbie” Gilliam has served Florida A&M University (FAMU) for 35 years. As the Resident Dining Hall Director, she has played a pivotal role in transforming the Dining Hall into a nurturing space for the FAMU community. Gilliam is deeply committed to supporting students, offering guidance and resources to help them excel academically and personally, and her mentorship has had a lasting impact on many. Beyond her work at FAMU, she is an active volunteer in her local community and church, where she serves with humility and compassion. Gilliam’s unwavering kindness, tireless work ethic, and dedication to positive change have earned her the admiration and respect of all who know her.
Jofree Joseph (December)
Jofree Thomas Joseph is the owner and principal of 305 Brothers All In One LLC, a company he founded in 2015 with his three brothers—Brandon, Rudy, and Peterson. A proud Miami native and first-generation Haitian American, Joseph made history as the first in his family to attend college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 2008. During his time at FAMU, he was an influential leader in the Marching 100 band and involved in several student organizations. After a brief career in banking and finance, Joseph shifted his focus to renovation and construction, leading 305 Brothers All In One LLC to secure multi-year contracts with major institutions like FAMU, Florida State University, and the University of Central Florida. Beyond his business success, Joseph is dedicated to disaster recovery efforts as a FEMA contractor and helps recently released inmates reintegrate into the workforce. He is also a strong advocate for education, providing scholarships for FAMU’s Summer Band Camp to help students experience college life
Jarah Murraine (January 2026)
Jarah Murraine is a versatile entrepreneur with over a decade of experience across various industries, including beauty, wellness, travel, and financial literacy. She is a dual-licensed master cosmetologist and the owner of HBJ Glam Studio, where she offers premium beauty services, as well as HBJ Glam Hair Care Products, which focuses on plant-based hair and body care. Inspired by her personal transformation to veganism, Murraine became a certified holistic nutritionist and launched Eat Heal, Live, a platform promoting plant-based lifestyles. In addition, she curates unique travel experiences and helps individuals and businesses optimize their credit profiles. A devoted mother and community advocate, Murraine is also dedicated to empowering others through initiatives like a breast cancer awareness event and a holiday toy drive.
Calendars will be available for community pick up in the Hinson Administration Building on the Main Campus of Tallahassee State College during the designated times listed below:
- Tuesday, February 18: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 19: 3 – 5 p.m.
- Thursday, February 20: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Friday, February 21: 3 – 5 p.m.
- Monday, February 24: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 25: 3 – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 26: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Thursday, February 27, 3 – 5 p.m.
- Friday, February 28: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.