(Rear) Gary Hartfield, President/CEO, Serenity Village Inc. (Front, L-R) Vasti Amaro, CEO, Vasti Transportation, Attorney Nina Dawne Williams, WOCG General Counsel, Sally Mapstone, Principal, University of St. Andrews, Dr. Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA, Clemmie Perry, Founder and Executive Director, Women of Color Golf, Sandra Braham, CEO, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, Colette Glover-Hannah, CEO, Hannah’s Shoe Box, Marcelle C. Jackson, CEO, MJE Bookkeeping & Consulting.
Read, Listen and Learn how the lives of seven African Americans have been forever impacted as “The Scotland Seven” through their experience at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, during the historic recognition of golf legend Renee Powell in the naming of the school’s new dormitory, Powell Hall.
On September 19, 2018, history was made when Dr. Renee Powell PGA/LPGA unveiled the plaque to be affixed to the hall dedicated in her name. The significance is unparalleled because Dr. Powell is the only American to have this honor bestowed upon her; the recognition is all the more remarkable because Dr. Powell is a woman of color. Joining Powell at this auspicious occasion in Scotland was the CEO, Advisory Board and members of Women of Color Golf, Inc.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
It all began when the University of St. Andrews, the oldest University in Scotland (founded in 1413) contacted Powell last winter to inform her of their desire to name one of its newest student residence halls after her. After Powell’s initial shock, then humble acceptance, the University began preparing an official announcement and set the date for a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony. To think that this institution, established 79-years before Columbus, so-called, ‘discovered’ America, would bestow on Powell this unprecedented honor at the University of St. Andrews—one of the world’s top 100 universities—according to the international league table the QS World Rankings, is remarkable.
A DELEGATION OF SUPPORT
Normally being called to the principal’s office is not a fun experience, but when seven people traveled from Tampa and Miami, Florida—purposefully to go to the Principal’s office at the University of St. Andrews—it was a life-changing experience.
Just to clarify, the title of School Principal in Scotland is equivalent to that of a University President in the United States.
Coordinating a delegation to travel and celebrate with Powell on the Scotland trip was an all-out effort initiated by Clemmie Perry, founder and president of Women of Color Golf (WOCG), a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Tampa, Florida, whose mission is to promote and facilitate the inclusion of minority women and girls into the game of golf.
Perry swiftly organized a delegation of supporters to accompany Powell on this most exciting journey. Dubbed the “Scotland Seven”, Perry had convinced a group of six of her co-patriarchs to travel 16-hours on an international trip to Scotland. The trip costing each of them a few thousand unbudgeted dollars. Clemmie is obviously very persuasive!
These seven individuals regarded their expense as an investment in a trip of a lifetime to travel to the Home of Golf, to personally witness their “sister” Renee Powell receive such a prestigious honor.
Renee Powell (left) with Principal Professor Sally Mapstone
“Golfing legend Renee Powell has unveiled a plaque to celebrate the opening of a new student hall of residence in St Andrews named in her honor. Powell Hall, a five-story building adjacent to Agnes Blackadder Hall at North Haugh, has 205 rooms and is part of a £70 million ($88,935,210.00) investment in student accommodation by the University which will create 900 new bedrooms over and above the 4000 that the University already provides.”—University of St. Andrews website.
Renee Powell as she gazes at her name engraved on the University of St. Andrews’ new Powell Hall.
This is not Renee’s first honor from the University, as she has received an honorary doctorate, been a guest lecturer and their annual ladies tournament bears her name.
A rendition on the gate depicts Renee Powell Hall at University of St. Andrews.
Gary Hartfield, one of the Scotland Seven, who is also an author and serial entrepreneur, said it best several years ago when describing his book entitled “STAND” stating:
“As human beings — all of us, no matter your cultural background — you will encounter obstacles in life where you’ll have to make a stand.”
Well, Principal Mapstone did indeed make a stand. I asked her why she undertook this effort to honor Renee Powell. This was her response:
“Dear Jim,
In relation to your questions:
1) We chose to honor Renee because she is already a much loved and valued member of our community, having received an honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews in 2008. The University is committed to drive forward a bold agenda on equality and diversity and we see Renee as a wonderful role model in this regard. Naming Powell Hall after her reminds our University community every day that we have amongst us in our wider St Andrews community an African American woman who believes in each and every one of us maximizing our potential with spirit, kindness, and courage. We could not have a better model for our students, and our staff.
2) It was absolutely wonderful to see Renee’s friends and supporters travel all the way to Scotland to be with her to celebrate Powell Hall’s opening and to meet members of the University. The opening ceremony and the dinner held afterward were so much enhanced by their presence – both occasions were uplifting and extra special. We celebrated Renee and we celebrated our commitment to diversity, and we had great fun – what could be better.
All best wishes,
Sally Mapstone
Professor Sally Mapston
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
University of St Andrews”
I was privileged to talk with five of the Scotland Seven and want to share their thoughts and comments to convey how they were touched by the experience.
Colette Glover-Hannah
Meet Colette Glover-Hannah, a mompreneur, and newbie to golf in 2018, who is the Founder and CEO of Hannah’s Shoebox, an online shoe store that provides self-esteem and confidence to girls who wear women size shoes. Colette shares her thoughts and reflections about the Scotland experience, WOGC and the game of golf.
”in addition to thinking about our past and the conditions that our ancestors endured in trying to play golf in the United States, particularly that of the Powell family, this trip allowed me to think about the possibilities that golf offers. It has taken me from picking up golf clubs in February to having the honor and pleasure of traveling to the birthplace of Golf in September. I was so grateful for the opportunity to honor Dr. Renee Powell, a living golf legend with the caveat of it being on foreign soil.”
“I also realized that our presence as African Americans (the Scotland Seven) attending this prestigious event at the 600-year-old University of St. Andrews also showcased our sincere commitment to Dr. Renee Powell to all who attended the recognition ceremony. It did not go unnoticed that we were present by others in attendance who commended our dedication and support for Dr. Powell.”
“Another takeaway is that I am very committed to promoting the rich legacy of Dr. Powell to others domestically and abroad. I am indebted to this golf giant who paved the way so that I and other women of color, for generations to come, will have the opportunity to play a game that presents limitless possibilities on and off the golf course.”
“Let me finally add that I am so grateful to Clemmie Perry and her leadership of the Women of Color Golf. It is because of her that we have been given these rich opportunities. Her amazing insight to start this organization is also the ‘why’ we were in Scotland.”
I listened to another member of this special group, WOGC, general Counsel Nina-Dawne Williams, Esq. based in Miami. She has been selected as one of the 100 Most Influential Caribbean Americans. She is a veteran entertainment attorney whose practice includes a clientele of artists and entities in the worlds of music, theatre, film, fine art, dance, and literature.
Nina-Dawne Williams, Esq.
Attorney Williams received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Miami and Juris Doctor Degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 2008, she studied at The Oxford Institute for Legal Practice in Oxford, England and qualified to practice law within specific jurisdictions in the United Kingdom.
Nina, who has not golfed in 40 years and has previously visited Scotland, had actually predicted to Clemmie Perry upon the founding of WOGC that, and I quote: “Girl, you are going to end up in St. Andrews.”
How prophetic were those words!!
Nina also feels strongly that the Scottish do not have a hardened and imperialistic attitude toward African Americans, and, have a more historical empathy toward African Americans. In part, due to their country’s long-standing struggles for independence from Great Britain. (Sound Familiar?)
Nina further stated, “I felt completely at home and felt and no negative animus toward me because of the color of my skin. Everybody walked away with their hearts changed, and changed to the better.”
Another distinguished member of the delegation was Dr. Sandra Braham, who knows quite a bit about human services and higher education. Dr. Braham oversees the Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services in Clearwater, Fla., with more than 500 staff members. There she directs the implementation of the agency’s programs which support families in more than 35 Florida counties.
Dr. Sandra Braham
Dr. Braham has also served as Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Assistant Vice President for Outreach Programs at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) from 1992 to 2006. She secured more than $20 million in federal and state grants and developed programs focused on helping low-income youth access, enroll and succeed in higher education.
Dr. Braham received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Missouri at Columbia and her Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Educational Leadership and Administration from UTEP.
She is a strategic visionary leader with broad experience in organizational development, diversity and staff engagement. She knows a thing or two about challenges.
“Some people don’t understand the experience, some people don’s understand the struggle.”—Dr. Sandra Braham
Listen as Dr. Sandra Braham describes the Scotland experience in her own words.
Gary Hartfield
Meet Gary Hartfield who has been on a leadership path since he was a young boy. The first in his family to obtain a college degree, Gary earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Passionate about bettering his community, Gary entered the professional world in education. Motivated to impact higher education from a leadership position, he re-enrolled in school to earn a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of West Florida. Gary eventually followed the pull to be an entrepreneur that had been tugging within him for years.
Gary’s compassion for others led him to launch Serenity Village Inc., which consists of several assisted living communities in Florida, and Serenity Village Insurance and Consulting, LLC.
“Because of Renee Powell and her leadership…we’ll be able to tell this story to our children, and our grandchildren.”—Gary Hartfield
Listen to Gary Hartfield, the only male on the trip, as he shares his experience.
Clemmie Perry
Lastly, I listened and talked to Clemmie Perry, founder of Women Of Color Golf (WOCG) and a Helen Davis “Waves of Change” leadership award recipient. Hear Clemmie in her own words talk about the Scotland experience, as well as the challenges and opportunities she faces at WOGC.
Perry staunchly believes that we as a people are going to have to stick together to support and sustain ourselves. She is realistic and knows that the golf industry considers WOCG, and other organizations like it, ‘community-based’ organizations, and says, they cannot help us to get to our community.
Listen to Clemmie Perry, Founder of Women of Color Golf, as she shares her experience.
“There was nobody there from the PGA of America. Nobody. So had we not supported her she would not have been represented.”—Clemmie Perry
Not only did the Scotland Seven witness history but they also found time to play 9 holes at St. Andrews! Enough said!!
In my humble opinion, the game of golf and the leaders of golf owe a tremendous thanks to these seven people for taking the time and effort to personally witness one of the greatest honors ever conferred on Renee Powell, an American golfer who happens to be an African American. Renee, you literally take us to places we never dreamed possible. Thanks, my sister!!
James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest
James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest and Founder of NCS International, an Omaha, Nebraska-based company provding an array of economic development services. He also serves on the Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force and recently launched Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, a golf promotion and management company.
