Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302808
"YOU ARE AS GOOD AS ANYONE. NEVER LET THE FACT THAT YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING KEEP YOU FROM ACHIEVING." – RUTH HARTLEY MOSLEY Upon her return to Macon in 2002, she noticed there was a lot more diversity, which is mostly visible to her in the young people who have chosen Macon as their home and are making progress their priority. "I feel so thankful and grateful that I am able to connect to the younger generations," she says. Gerri firmly believes that "history should be inclusive, because it is important for us to know the past if we want to move forward," she says. "Let's make sure when we think about the actions we want to take, that all history is included. Hearts and souls must be changed if we want our actions to benefit the future." Today, Gerri works to engage the community in support of the Ruth Hartley Mosley Women's Center and also serves as the first black chair-elect of Historic Macon Foundation. "Ruth Hartley Mosley was a strong, strong supporter of education, like myself, and the center's purpose is to continue her legacy by supporting young women who wish to pursue careers in healthcare," Gerri says. Mosley left an incomparable legacy after her death in 1975 in the form of trusts to help young women who wish to pursue careers in healthcare and to preserve the history of African-Americans who, against the odds of active bigotry and hatred, thrived and used their position to elevate others. "Mrs. Mosley said it best: 'You are as good as anyone. Never let the fact that you don't have anything keep you from achieving.' Her quote is carved in stone beneath the fountain in Tattnall Square Park," Gerri says. Currently, the trusts left to the center are depleting and the center is struggling to gain community awareness and financial support. Since she took command as executive director in 2014, Gerri has worked to partner with community organizations, implemented education programs for life skills, young parents and the arts, and highlighted the accomplishments of the black heroes in our community. ough the center could use the extra support and awareness, "there are lots of causes to give to and to care about, and we should give more attention to the roots of the issues rather than temporary solutions," Gerri says. ough Macon's "inviting atmosphere, and small town feel with city features" were definite draws to coming home, the chance to be a guardian of history truly solidified Gerri's choice. ough her passion is to continue the legacy of Ruth Hartley Mosley, Gerri's return to Macon solidifies her own legacy of being a catalyst for change, and she will not be satisfied until the residents of our beautiful, ever-evolving city are "reaching across the aisles to ensure we are all a part of the progress." OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 | maconmagazine.com 83