2025 HALL OF FAME AWARD RECIPIENT
Albert White
Albert E. White, originally from Gainesville, has always been a steward for his family and community. He has been married to his lovely wife Ora for 56 years and has 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Albert graduated from Lincoln High School in 1962 and earned his degree from North Carolina A & T in Greensboro, N.C. in 1971. Upon returning to his hometown that same year, he was inspired to become an activist in his community following the sudden and unjust closure of Lincoln High School, which he held dear. In 1973, he obtained a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida.
His professional journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements. He was the first Black Manager of the Gainesville Regional Utilities Main Street and Kanapaha Wastewater Treatment Plants. Later, he became the first Community Relations Director on the GRU Executive Staff. In this role, he created impactful initiatives that aided numerous individuals regarding utility bills, sewer line removals, and initiated an Academy aimed at increasing Black representation at GRU. In 1994, he transitioned from GRU to assume the position of First Vice President of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, and by 1998, he was appointed Interim Executive Director. His leadership paved pathways for others, championing diversity and equity throughout the city.
For over five decades, he has been a tireless advocate, and servant leader. He has participated in various advisory boards and committees, becoming a catalyst for change in his community. He has co-founded transformative organizations such as the Gainesville Review of Issues & Trends for Self-Action (GRITS) which tackled pressing community issues, the League for Civic Action, the Gainesville Affirmative Action Council, and the Lincoln High School Alumni Association. He Founded and Chaired the East Gainesville Relay for Life. His commitment extended to serving on numerous Advisory Boards & Committees: Gainesville Police Department Advisory Board and the Black-on-Black Crime Task Force, as well as membership on the Alachua County School Board 1 Mill Committee, the Guardian Ad Litem Advisory Board, and the Cotton Club Museum Board. He served as long-term Chairperson of Trustees and Finance at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church.
His passion for education and history led him to co-author “The History of Lincoln High School” and to have the vision to create the Lincoln High School Memorial Wall, preserving the legacy of his Alma Mater.
In recognition of his exceptional community service, he has been honored with a multitude of awards, including the Shands at UF Spirit of the Community Award, the City of Gainesville’s 1st Volunteer of the Year Award, the Lincoln High Alumni Association Hall of Fame Award, the First Credit Union Chairman’s Award, the Pleasant Street Historic Society/Claranelle Smith Griffin Award, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Social Action Award, the United Gainesville Community Development Service Award, the American Cancer Society Spirit & Community Service Award, the Alachua County Democratic Black Caucus Unsung Hero Award, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Leadership & Achievement Award, the National Association of Social Workers Public Citizen of the Year Award, the Alachua County Branch NAACP Community Service Award, and the City of Gainesville Historic Preservation Board – Vivian Washington Filer Award.
Albert E. White’s legacy is one of inspiration, empowering others to stand for justice, equity and progress.
For his commitment and dedication to the citizens of Gainesville/Alachua County for civic and community involvement, we proudly present Albert White with the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall of Fame Award.
Hall of Fame Past Award Recipients
The Honorable Rodney J. Long | 2024
Ms. Chanae Jackson | 2023
The Honorable Stephan P. Mickle | 2022
Aeriel Lane | 2021
NKwanda Jah | 2020
Kali Blount | 2019
Evelyn Foxx | 2018
Dorcas “Candy” Ramsuer | 2017
Father Roland Julien | 2016
Dr. Vivian Hayes | 2015
Tony Jones | 2014
Louis Kalivoda | 2013
Steve & Ruth Brown | 2011
Father John Gillespie | 2011
Daniel Harmeling | 2010
Arupa Freeman | 2009
Dr. Hazel Kirkland “Sister Hazel” Williams | 2008
*Hertercene Turner Dee | 2007
Jacquelyn “Jackie” Hart-Williams | 2006
Vivian Filer | 2005
Dr. C.W. Banks | 2005
Dr. E.A. Cosby | 2005
Harriet Ludwig | 2004
Lucille B. Perkins | 2003
Mrs. Pearlie Mare Stephens-Hunt | 2003
Carol W. Thomas | 2003
Joseph Marcus Buchanan | 2002
Dr. Joyce Yvette Cosby | 2002
Floretta Vinson Allen | 2001
Joseph Judge | 2000
Barbara Higgins | 1999
Virgil Hawkins, Jr. | 1998
Russell Henry | 1997
Dr. C. Arthur “Art” Sandeen | 1996
Rev. James Cato – Thomas Coward | 1995
Susie Mae White | 1994
A. Quinn Jones, Sr. | 1993
Dr. C.W. Norton | 1992
Rosa B. WIlliams | 1991
Musheerah Shahid | 1990
Charles S. Chestnut, III | 1989
Savannah Williams | 1988
Rev. T.A. Wright | 1988
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | 1987