Lake City presentations highlight youth scholarship and a request to rename the administration building during Black History Month

The Lake City City Council on Feb. 11 heard a student presentation and a request tied to Black History Month.

A recorded presentation from Aiden Bright introduced the Leading With Purpose scholarship, organized to recognize students who demonstrate leadership and service. In the video Bright said the inaugural year will award two recipients — one from Lake City High School and one from J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School — selected for academic achievement, leadership roles and community commitment. Bright identified himself as the CEO and founder of the scholarship and invited local businesses, churches and individuals to support the fund through donations or mentorship.

Later in the meeting Gloria Tisdale, speaking on behalf of Carver High School alumni, asked council to formally consider renaming the City Administration Building in honor of the city’s first elected African American mayor (she referenced the late Mayor Wilfred Barr). Tisdale described the request as part of Black History Month recognition and asked council to “seriously consider this request” from alumni and other citizens.

During public comment Paul Morris reminded the council that the community holds a memorial for Fraser (Frasier) Baker, who he said was the town’s first Black postmaster and was lynched in 1865; Morris said the community will memorialize Baker on a date in late February and invited the mayor and council to attend.

Council members thanked presenters and attendees, congratulated Aiden Bright on the scholarship initiative and recognized the contributions of Carver alumni. Council did not take a formal vote on the building‑naming request at the Feb. 11 meeting.