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Mrs. Willie Lee Gay - Historian | Mrs. Willie Lee Gay & Glenita Shelvin Lampkin | TEDxSunnyside

Hear the story of Mrs. Willie Lee Gay, the 95-year-old historian and teacher. Her journey encompasses over six decades of archiving and teaching Texas history. The state of Texas maintains the Willie Lee Gay Collection, which contains the professional and personal papers of teacher and historian Mrs. Willie Lee Gay. This collection, which dates from 1897 to 2012, includes newsclippings, publications, photos, research materials, programs, assorted photocopied images, and organizations that highlight her work as a historian in documenting and preserving the history of African American communities in Houston. Mrs. Willie Lee Gay served as a dedicated history teacher at the K-12 and college level for over six decades. She taught and lived the very history she shared with her students. Mrs. Gay devoted her life to documenting, preserving, and promoting the historical accomplishments of Texans from the 1800s through the 21st century. She championed the inclusion of African American history in classrooms and communities. The Willie Lee Gay Collection is housed in the Houston Public Library and Texas Archives. The collection documents her participation from 1972 in historic preservation and historical organizations in Texas and Houston. As a community influencer Mrs. Gay’s work with the Covington House is an example of how her efforts bridged the gap between academic research and public awareness. She ensured that overlooked voices found their rightful place in the historical record. A lasting tribute to her legacy is Willie Lee Gay Hall at the South Campus of Houston City College.Glenita Shelvin Lampkin is an interior designer and Mary Kay beauty consultant with a passion for transformation - whether it's refreshing a space or elevating personal style. As the owner of Sugar and Soul Sweets her home- base baking business she delights customers with treats that are gaining new fans with every bite. Glenita holds a B.A. in interior design and an Associates Degree from the Art Institute of Houston, she brings creativity, warmth and a personal touch everything she does. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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