KSU Oral History ProjectOral histories conducted and/or supervised by Dr. Thomas Scott, Professor Emeritus of History, on the development of Kennesaw State University and the local community.https://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/2392024-03-28T12:19:50Z2024-03-28T12:19:50ZMichael "Doc" RhettScott, Thomas Allan (1943- )https://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/69662023-11-21T19:01:35ZMichael "Doc" Rhett
Scott, Thomas Allan (1943- )
Oral History with Georgia State Senator Michael "Doc" Rhett
Senator Michael “Doc” Rhett was born in Harlem in New York City, growing up in building 1315 of General Grant Public Housing on 125th Street. His father, Harold Rhett, was a Korean War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient who following his time in the military worked in the textile industry. His mother, Lillie Rhett, worked in various areas, including as a nurse’s aide, a domestic, and a Board of Elections Supervisor.
Mr. Rhett attended the State University of New York in Albany getting a double bachelors in Rhetoric and Communications and African American Studies. Throughout the years he also received a bachelor’s degree in business education from the University of Central Oklahoma, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma, a specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University and a doctorate’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. Senator Rhett worked in insurance for about 2 years following his graduation from the State University of New York, before joining the Air Force around the age of 25. Instead of going in as an officer, he enlisted, working in the Air Force until his retirement in 2015 as a Master Sergeant. He managed personnel, prepared young individuals for leadership, and worked as a training instructor for the 700th Airlift Squadron. As part of his 25 plus years of enlisted service, he received the United States Air Force Meritorious Service Medal.
Senator Michael Rhett was first elected to the state Senate in 2014 to represent a portion of Cobb County. He is the first African American resident to be elected to the state Senate from Cobb County.
Lisa CupidScott, Thomas Allan (1943- )https://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/69582023-11-21T18:47:34ZLisa Cupid
Scott, Thomas Allan (1943- )
Oral history of Lisa Cupid, the Chairwoman of Cobb County's Board of Commisioners.
Lisa Cupid is the Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. She has served on the Cobb Board of Commissioners since 2013 and in 2020 was elected Cobb’s first black and first female Chair in 2020. Some of her accomplishments include expanding transit service, improving citizen education and engagement, and advocating for enhanced public safety measures, including using license plate readers, additional body cameras, and implementing a public safety nuisance abatement program. In this interview Lisa talks about her path towards public service and what led her to it.
Interview with Donnie PerryBell, MattMez, Erichttps://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/69542023-09-26T02:00:49ZInterview with Donnie Perry
Bell, Matt; Mez, Eric
Donnie Perry joined the Cobb County Branch of the NAACP between 1986 and 1987. Perry was on the Board of Directors and acted as Legal Advisor before serving as branch President from 1994 to 1997.
Donnie Perry was born in Blakely, Georgia, and attended Decatur High School. After serving in the U.S. Army, Perry received a Master's degree in Public and Urban Administration and graduated from the Atlanta Law School in 1984. He joined the Cobb County Branch of the NAACP between 1986 and 1987. Perry was on the Board of Directors and acted as Legal Advisor before serving as branch President from 1994 to 1997
Interview with Deane Thompson BonnerScott, Thomas Allan (1943- )https://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/69532023-09-26T02:00:46ZInterview with Deane Thompson Bonner
Scott, Thomas Allan (1943- )
Deane Bonner has served as the President of the Cobb County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1997. She has also held numerous leadership positions within the branch.
Deane Bonner has served as the President of the Cobb County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1997. She has also held numerous leadership positions within the branch. Although she is well known for her long-term membership and twenty-year presidency of the Cobb NAACP, Deane's community involvement included Ladies of Essence, Church Women United in Cobb County, Congressional Black Caucus, National Women's Political Conference, Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors, Marietta City Council, the Democratic Party, and more.