St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere, but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench Monthly shines a light on one of the many people who make St. Pete unique.
This month our focus is on Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. Its goal, in part, is “to preserve, present, and interpret African American history” while also promoting “understanding among various groups that comprise the St. Petersburg community to enhance our ability as a society to respect, value diversity, and foster equal rights and social justice.” It’s a mission that requires perseverance and integrity. After spending time with Scott, I can say, without reservation, those words describe her perfectly. She’s also gracious and delightful. I enjoyed our talk immensely.
Savannah’s Loss is St. Pete’s Gain
Scott was born and grew up in Savannah, where she attended Savannah State University. Four years after a chance meeting on the first day of college, she and her husband, Clarence, married and relocated in 1981 to his hometown of St. Petersburg. After a lifetime in Savannah, she was immediately struck by how deeply race divided the town and set out to do what she could. For the next twenty-plus years she effected change, as she put it, “little by little,” while also raising two children and building a successful career as an administrator in the mayor’s office. In 2004, after working with five mayors and seven City Councils, Scott decided she was ready for a change. It was time to be, as the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm famously declared, an “unbought and unbossed” advocate for equity and fairness.
An Advocate for the Community
Her passion wasn’t new, but Scott’s retirement meant that she could devote more time and energy what brings her the greatest joy: “making a difference in the lives of others.” The Woodson Museum offers a perfect platform for her to dive deeper into this work. In 2004, she became the chair of the board for the Woodson and tirelessly volunteered as an advocate for the museum and the African American community. In 2017, the museum was able to create a paid director position, and Scott transitioned into that role. As she describes it, the job is similar to the previous volunteer position, but “on steroids.”
“Where Can I Fill the Gap?”
Asking that question has led Scott’s advocacy in many directions. Recently, she helped find suitable housing for involuntarily dislodged elderly Jordan Park residents. For years, she has organized an annual tea party weekend event to celebrate a group of underprivileged young girls. She helps shape the annual Diversi-Tea, which brings women from “every walk of life, every race, every creed, every culture together to talk.”
Her influence doesn’t stop there. Scott is committed to using what she has learned over the years to continue her work as a “champion for the underdog,” Under her direction, 2018 was a “banner year” for the Woodson as the museum hosted toy drives, piano lessons, book discussions, One City Choir rehearsals, speakers, concerts, and much more. Visitors also can enjoy the Legacy Garden and the art- filled museum space.
You can find Scott and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum at 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg, and online at www.woodsonmuseum.org.
My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting the Woodson African American Museum. It was breathtaking taking as we toured the museum and the garden. We took some beautiful pictures there. My trip to St. Pete was to see my childhood friend Terri. She is doing what she has done all of her life… helping others! I am so proud of her we grew up in church together and was taught how to love and help others. Terri, continue to be that beacon of light for those who really need you. You are truly God sent. Love you!