By Victoria Green
NASHVILLE, TN — Family and friends traveled from near and far to celebrate the 90th birthday of Gwendolyn Hill Vincent. The ambience was filled with love, laughter, and cherished hugs, Mrs. Vincent is an aficionado of cowboy boots. The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel ballroom was adorned, with a beautifully decorative cowboy boot as the center piece on each table. The food, cake, and champagne were delicious.
Captivating the audience with her humor and outgoing personality, Emcee Ms. Tina Fox welcomed everyone with charismatic energy, setting the tone for a memorable celebration.
Familiar faces in the community shared opening remarks, Mayor Freddie O’Connell, a special presentation from Senator Charlane Oliver, Invocation by Rep. Harold M. Love, Jr., performances by Tyrone Smith Review Band, Gary Hill, former first grade student and singer, special remarks by Andrea Fitzpatrick-Collins, toast was given by Lauren Fields granddaughter, and acknowledgements by Gwendolyn Vincent.
A beautiful flower was born on April 8, 1934, in the city of Memphis. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Vincent matriculated at Tennessee State University, receiving her B.S., M. Ed., and thirty-plus educational hours. After graduating she began a two-year journey as an educator teaching in Memphis. Continuing as an educator, she advanced into the Metropolitan Nashville School System and remained there until her retirement.
A resolute servant of the community and receiving numerous awards, nominations, and recognitions, Vincent was an active member of the Metropolitan Nashville Educational Association, Tennessee Education Association, and National Educational Association. She served as former president of the following organizations: MNEA, Alpha Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Music City Nashville Chapter of The Links Inc., Faith Unlimited Civic Club, and Tennessee State University Alumni Association, Nashville Chapter.
Vincent has been a candidate in past elections seeking potions on the Metro Council and the Metropolitan School Board. She is an active member of First Baptist Church Capitol Hill.
A highlight of Vincent’s teaching career was receiving an award from Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) to attend the International Reading Conference in Sweden and further traveling to Norway and Denmark.
She presently serves on the Education Task Force, Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, and Board of Directors for Reading is Fundamental.
The Tennessee State University Alumni Association Nashville Chapter, annual Mrs. Gwendolyn Vincent Holiday Brunch is held in her honor to raise money for scholarships. Iconic community activists are spotlighted. Her legacy continues to shine throughout all generations.
Interviwing Gewndolyn Vincent
What is your secret to living to see ninety? She said, “My secret to living to be ninety is trying to be productive, be happy, help other people, I love and enjoy life. I believe God has let me be here. I have enjoyed life with my daughter, grandchildren, friends, civic organizations, church family, political life, lobbying, and life with MNEA,”
“What started you liking cowboy boots?” “I loved to wear high heel shoes even when I taught school. I eventually had my hip replaced and had to stop wearing high heels and when I wore my first pair of cowboy boots it felt good. The boots come in all kinds of styles and colors. I have collected about twenty pair over the years,” said Vincent.
“What was the highlight of your birthday party?” “I enjoyed seeing all the different groups of people that I have known over the years, the mayor, and my Senator.”
“Being an educator what would you say the students admired about you the most? “I would make them feel comfortable and bring out the best in them. I love people and each person is different. The roll of a teacher is to see each student as an individual, see their need and make them feel good about themselves.”
“What advice would you give someone that was reading your story?” “I would tell them to truly believe in yourself, see the best in other people, and try to enjoy what you do.”
Photo by Victoria Green
Photo by Victoria Green
Photo by Tina Fox
