July 18, 2026 | Harvey B. Gantt Center | Charlotte, NC
GUEST OF HONOR
Harvey B. Gantt
Mr. Harvey Bernard Gantt is a pioneering architect, civic leader, and civil rights trailblazer whose life has been defined by breaking barriers and building stronger communities. Raised in segregated Charleston, South Carolina, he became the first African American admitted to Clemson University in 1963 after a landmark legal challenge and graduated with honors before earning a master's degree in city planning from MIT. In Charlotte, he co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects, helping design many of the city's most recognizable landmarks while championing inclusive urban development. Gantt also made history as Charlotte's first African American mayor, serving two terms and helping shape the city's growth as a progressive New South community. A lifelong advocate for equity and public service, his enduring contributions to architecture, civic leadership, and African American culture were recognized with the naming of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in his honor.
PRESENTERS
ALAN WALLACE
Branch: Sarah
Hometown: Sedalia, MO
Alan Wallace is a graphic designer, creative director, photographer, social media strategist, and visual storyteller who believes that meaningful work begins with integrity. Professionally and through his business, Alan Wallace Design, he has spent more than two decades helping organizations, businesses, and individuals communicate their stories through branding, publications, photography, and strategic visual communications. Whether designing a brand or capturing a moment behind the camera, his goal is to create work that is authentic, purposeful, and lasting.
The son of Retired Lt. Col. Marshall Wallace and Dr. Mittie Wallace, Alan grew up as a military brat, an experience that instilled in him the values of service, discipline, adaptability, and respect. This also exposed him to many world cultures, foods, and arts. Those early lessons continue to guide his life and career, shaping a philosophy that places character above recognition and integrity above accolades.
Throughout his career, Alan has photographed and designed for clients ranging from professionals and entrepreneurs to families, organizations, and special events, always striving to tell stories with honesty and care. He believes that success is measured not by titles or awards, but by the trust he earns, the relationships he builds, and the positive impact his work leaves on others.
JAYE L. TALIAFERRO
Branch: Leah
Hometown: Sharon Hill, PA
Jaye L. Taliaferro is the middle son of John and Carol Taliaferro, the grandson of Lee and Violet Taliaferro, and the great-grandson of Leah Hundley. Originally born in Philadelphia and raised in Sharon Hill, PA, Jaye has called Lake Wylie, SC (a suburb of Charlotte, NC) home for the last 17 years. He and his wife, Cassandra, have shared 31 beautiful years of marriage and are the proud parents of two adult children, Janelle and Julian. Jaye’s greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his family and traveling the world. Driven by a deep passion for bringing relatives together, he is thrilled to celebrate the family’s rich legacy at this year's reunion banquet.
VALERIE LEATH
Branch: Sarah
Hometown: Coral Springs, FL
Valerie Leath has been married to her husband, Tony, for 20 years and is the proud mother of Sydney (17) and Anthony (14). She serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at Atlantic Sapphire and resides in Coral Springs, Florida. Valerie is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of the USA and is actively involved in Broward County Public Schools through various advisory and community initiatives. She is passionate about leadership development, community service, and supporting youth and families..
MIRIAM WALLACE
Branch: Sarah
Hometown: Vadenberg, CA
Miriam Wallace is a servant leader with an educational background, earning a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. She has demonstrated leadership in government and private sectors, applying her project management, test and evaluation, and engineering expertise to tackle complex systems challenges putting people, process, and technology to work. Passionate about making a difference, Miriam actively participates in community initiatives, particularly through her involvement in Fauquier Juneteenth and Arlington civic efforts.
Her commitment to community organizing has helped raise awareness and mobilize resources for critical causes. With a deep commitment to service and innovation, Miriam continues to inspire positive change through education and service.
KRISTEN ALLEN
Branch: William
Hometown: Sedalia, MO
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MICHELLE GREEN
Branch: Sarah
Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
Michelle Green is a child of the Most High God whose life has been deeply shaped by the gift of music. From an early age, music became the language through which she expressed her heart—bringing comfort in difficult seasons, celebrating life's joys, and giving voice to her gratitude for God's countless blessings upon her and her family.
To Michelle, music is more than melody; it is a universal language that transcends barriers, touching hearts and connecting people through shared emotion and faith. Whether expressing hope, sorrow, thanksgiving, or praise, she believes music has the power to minister in ways words alone cannot.
Though she does not consider herself a professional singer, Michelle has been blessed with opportunities to sing under the direction of several respected local gospel and classical music directors. Today, she continues to use her God-given gift in faithful service, ministering through the music ministry at her church and seeking to glorify God with every song she sings.
OUR ROYAL ROOTS PRESENTERS
JOHN “PERLEY” ALLEN
Branch: William
Hometown: Yorktown, VA
John Perley Allen was born on September 2, 1942, at Dixie Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. He is the son of James A. Allen and Cora Edith Hundley Allen (oldest daughter of William and Lucy Hundley). His siblings were James A. Allen Jr. and Shirley Y. Allen Johnson. He grew up in Lackey Virginia.
John attended York County VA Public Schools, graduating from James Weldon Johnson High School in June 1960. He graduated from Hampton Institute with a B.S. degree in Architecture in May 1965. Also, in 1965 he completed the US Army Corp of Engineers Basic Course and the Post Engineer management school. In 1974, he was selected by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the General Services Administration OPM Fellowship to attend Cornelll University School of Business and Public Administration in 1974.
John was a Combat Platoon Leader in Vietnam and a 2nd Lieutenant with the United States Army Corps of Engineers July 1965 to July 1967. In 1967, John joined the General Services Administration. During his career he was a professional engineering and architectural contract coordinator; Assistant Technical Services Branch Chief; Project Director and Project Manager for various Federal design and construction projects; and ended his Federal career as Service Center Director in support of 28 Federal Agencies and Departments leasing, construction and Building Operations. He retired in 2007 and then served as Senior Consultant with GRD an SBA 8a engineering consultant firm.
He is married to Brenda Marie Key on August 5, 1967, in Newark NJ. They have two children, Kristen Allen and JoAnne Allen and two grandchildren Jomar and Jade Walker. John and Brenda have resided in Columbia, MD since 1971.
VICKI ANDERSON SIMONS
Branch: Sarah
Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
Vicki Simons is the founder of Soul Hobby House LLC, a private gathering place in Sand Lake, New York, where she creates immersive experiences that help people reconnect with themselves through rest, reflection, and meaningful experiences.
Before founding Soul Hobby House, Vicki spent 31 years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, serving in legal and leadership roles focused on environmental justice, civil rights, tribal affairs, and organizational leadership. A self-described workaholic, she devoted her career to serving others while often putting her own well-being last.
Her journey through breast cancer and profound personal loss became a turning point. The practices she once reserved for weekends—meditation, Reiki, sound, herbal traditions, and time in nature—became the foundation of her own healing. Those “soul hobbies” eventually became a way of life and inspired the creation of Soul Hobby House.
Today, Vicki is a Reiki Master, herbalist, and sound practitioner who thoughtfully curates experiences that invite others to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and care for their souls. She believes healing begins by creating the time and space to truly care for the soul.
SYDNEY LEATH
Branch: Sarah
Hometown: Coral Springs, FL
Sydney Leath is a rising senior at Coral Springs Charter School. She is actively involved in her church youth group, peer mentoring programs, and Girl Scouts, where she is currently completing her Gold Award project focused on autism awareness and friendship inclusion. Sydney serves as Executive Vice President of the National Honor Society and is a varsity athlete participating in cheerleading, soccer, and track and field. She is passionate about service, leadership, and creating opportunities for inclusion within her community.