Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy dedicated the Lucile Carter Memorial Media Center at a ceremony Thursday.
Lucile Carter was a beloved member of the Gainesville community who was a volunteer, activist and longtime supporter of the Gainesville City School System.
“There are about 125 books each day that are checked out from this library. We have all kinds of events that occur here,” Enota Principal Dr. Wesley Roach said. “I know that you'll be pleased to know, Mrs. Carter will forever be remembered. And the traffic coming through this media center will be taking inspiration from her.”
Mrs. Carter did not graduate from the Gainesville City School system but she dedicated her time to the system serving on the Enota Elementary PTA and later serving 13 years on the Gainesville City Schools Board of Education.
“I think when she got here, she saw something in the school system that was good, but that she could sink her time and effort into and make it better,” Doug Carter, Mrs. Carter's son said.
Mrs. Carter was a voice for inclusion during the Civil Rights Movement and she played a role in desegregating the city school system.
“It became very important to her to promote other female leaders within the community and minority leaders as well, that was a very key component of her,” Carter said. “Back in the 1960s and 70s, it was still very much dominated by the men in the community. She was a little bit on the forefront, to start taking leadership roles.”
Mrs. Carter believed in treating everyone the same, with kindness and compassion.
“She is certainly someone that our staff and our students can take inspiration from. For the work that she believed in equity, and treating people the same, and we just think that she's a great role model for our kids and staff.” Dr. Roach said.
Mrs. Carter was honored in 2009 with an honorary degree from Gainesville High School.
