February is a great month for so many reasons: Valentine's Day, The Superbowl, spring nearing around the corner! But, I think we can all agree that this month hosts a most important purpose: Black History Month. In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to take a moment to sit down with a few of our black teammates to discuss which historical figures inspire them in their careers, personally, and in other areas of their lives. Today, we have the pleasure of diving deeper with Gary Still, an enthusiastic, excited Assistant Property Manager at Signature 1909, in efforts to recognize those who came before us and how they have left a lasting legacy even to this day.

When we initially sat down with Gary, our first question was, of course, which historical figure drives him in his career? He was quick to answer with information that really amazed us. “I would have to say my great uncle,” said Gary, “Dr. William Still, who played a very large part during a time where black folks were escaping the south to come to the north.” He was born October 1821 in New Jersey, and was born into a family where his own parents escaped from slavery. Dr. Still grew up being taught values of perseverance, pride, and self-determination, and later became appointed as a clerk for the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery. He acted as a main agent for the Underground Railroad, assisting over 800 Black Americans escape slavery during a time of great oppression and war. As one of the first black doctors, he was also able to help heal many who may have become injured on their journey to the north, enabling him to save countless lives during his lifetime. “Dr. William Still is best known for his self-published book ‘The Underground Railroad’ (1872) where he documented the stories of formerly enslaved Africans who gained their freedom by escaping bondage” (Temple University Libraries, 2022). Still’s “The Underground Railroad” is the only first person account of black activities on the Underground Railroad written and self-published by a Black American (Temple University Libraries, 2022). – To learn more about Dr. William Still, who lived a fascinating and impactful life, please visit this link.

As most anyone would find much to be inspired from Dr. Still’s life, Gary takes his uncle’s story and applies it to his life every single day. “It has been really cool to flip the page and see where my roots are tied to,” quoted Gary. “I can really learn a lot from him.” We began to discuss his career and the challenges he along with so many others face, and how Dr. Still’s history helps him find the positives and perseverance to overcome them. “These folks were able to figure out a way to do it facing so many challenges,” said Gary. “I may be in a tough spot but I can always push my way through, and they inspire me to do that, too.” This is not only applicable to his career, but obstacles he may face throughout his life as well.

During our time with Gary, we also discovered that he is an avid musician. He is naturally a guitarist, but he has played an array of instruments, such as the bass and keyboard, and he writes his own music. “As music is a huge part of my personal life, I really draw inspiration from any black musician,” said Gary. “But if I had to choose one that stuck with me the most, it would have to be Anita Baker.” Anita was born and raised in Detroit in 1958, and began her singing career by participating in her church’s choir. She later dropped out of community college against her parents’ wishes, and went to pursue her singing career. Anita performed with local bands for years in nightclubs around Detroit, and toured with the funk group Chapter 8 for several years before she ceased performing. She was brought back into the industry by Beverly Glen Records before creating her first ever solo album. Her next album won two Grammy awards, and sold more than five million copies – her hit singles from this album were “Sweet Love” and “You Bring Me Joy.” She performed on and off again until 2018, where she embarked on her farewell tour. Today, she is still best known for her hit “Sweet Love.” – If you would like to learn more about Anita Baker and her music, please visit this link. We have also attached her music below for listening purposes!

As a musician himself, Gary draws so much of his personal inspiration from black musicians such as Anita Baker. He listens to other artists such as Thundercat, Tyler the Creator, and Donald Glover that give him the motivation to become successful as an artist as well. “The way I see black artists, the inspiration levels are crazy,” quotes Gary. “It’s always such an emotional outcry, and Anita has these jazzy runs where you can really feel her pitching emotions about her specific persona. You can really feel the background behind it.” We asked him how he felt that black artists have made a difference to him, and he said “They are the embodiment of breaking out of their shells. Kids growing up can see someone like them become successful, and it showed me that you can be 100% yourself and find that success.” – Gary was kind enough to share his own music, so make sure to listen here! He is extremely talented.

After reflecting on the historical figures that inspire him the most, Gary touched on how important it is to feel as though you can be your authentic self, and how important it is to feel heard. He said, “It’s been nice since I came to Preiss, being here in Austin. Sometimes I do wonder what the catch is, but my experience has only gotten better with time. I can be my natural self, and not only can I communicate with the people in my company, but they also facilitate that same communication with me.” One way he has felt the Preiss Company has allowed him to feel this way is through his involvement with our DEI Council. “When the council started up, it changed so many of my perspectives,” Gary recalled. “I can communicate better with parents and residents because I feel so open to communicate with my company. It has opened the door for me to change my perspectives a lot, which has only richened my communication with everyone in my life.” We then proceeded to ask what goals he had in mind for himself on the DEI, and his answer brought so much perspective to us as well. “What we want to do is be there for every single person, and maintain balance in our company in regards to their views,” said Gary. “Taking extra time to really understand someone's views, I am really lucky that the council has been able to teach me that.”

Gary also has provided a number of his favorite books and songs that celebrate Black History Month, today and every day. We have listed those below for reference, and encourage everyone to take a look into this extremely special perspective.

I think I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say thank you, Gary, for taking the time to offer your perspective and inspiration to all of us at The Preiss Company. We had such a great time getting to know you and see things through your lens! His recommendation for now? “Explore different mediums. People learn different ways, so explore Black History Month in different styles of music, books, movies, etc. You will find a style that helps you learn the most!”

Book Recommendations: