DAVID & ELAINE LUCAS: MACON, GEORGIA
Mr. Lucas was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1975, one of the first blacks elected since Reconstruction. He has been in the Georgia State House for over thirty years. Throughout the years, he has faced little opposition during elections, a true testament to his constituency work. Elaine Lucas started out as an educator. After seeing David’s work in politics, she decided to pursue politics herself by running and winning election to Macon City Council. In all, she was a member of Macon City Council for over twenty years. Together, this Macon couple wield plenty of political power. Mrs. Lucas certainly admits that she is more fortunate because of David’s contacts with state authorities. Rather than trying to interpret the State Legislature’s intent with legislation, Mrs. Lucas can simply ask her husband during dinner. MARVIN & JUANITA BAILEY: MILLEDGEVILLE, GEORGIA
“I took Marvin home to Columbus to meet my mom and to tell her about our engagement. She gave us her blessing but made us promise to wait until after I graduated college before getting married. I was attending Mercer on an academic scholarship. I graduated college in three years instead of four.” Marvin, Chief Administrative Officer at Central State Hospital and Juanita, a professor at the University of Georgia were married in 1974. They have one daughter Brandice, a television producer in Las Vegas, Nevada. So what’s the glue that holds this marriage together? Juanita says Marvin is very patient. “He is a believer, and big supporter of women’s rights. I think Marvin is the best, most special person I’ve ever met.” Marvin echoes Juanita’s remarks. “She’s a great person. Sometimes I need a push in the right direction. Juanita really believes in me and my ability to achieve many things.” JASPER & RUBY DREW: FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA
When asked how he met his wife, Jasper bashfully admitted that had he not been hanging out with the wrong crowd they'd not have met. Jasper and some of his high school buddies were upset about a decision made regarding their eligibility to compete in a football game. He and his “boys” decided to skip school and slipped off too hang out at a nearby high school campus. There he met Ruby and three years later they were married. Ruby's dream of opening a child care facility became a reality, with a center that can care for 18-86 children, aged four weeks old and up. In the very near future the Drews have plans to expand their services to include elderly services and programs for at-risk youth. Jasper, a graduate of Fort Valley State University was recently inducted into the Thomasville Sports Hall of Fame. He and Ruby attend the Universal Deliverance Church of Montezuma, where he is a deacon and she's the choir coordinator. RUDELL RICHARDSON & CORNELL PETERS: MACON, GEORGIA
Richardson is a member of 100 Black Men and is on the Board of Directors for the Urban Development. Through his work with the 100 Black Men, he’s adopted a class and funds a career fest along with a college fest for high school juniors and seniors. Dr Peters works as the Medical Director for a methadone clinic. She spends her time focusing on addictive medicine, trying to help people get past their addictions. She also participates in numerous health fairs and sees patients for free on occasions. Working next to each other allows for the sharing of clients. Each job requires clients to trust them and this trust allows for them to share clients. “If she recommends me to a patient of hers, then that patient trusts her so much to try my service and vice verse,” Richardson explained. In the future, Richardson would like to have satellite offices throughout Middle Georgia, while Dr Peters would like to expand her work with treating addicts. Meet our other power couples! |
In 1976, at the Christmas Parade, David Lucas met Elaine Huckabee. Elaine was very much involved with the Education Association and it was on a trip to the Capitol with the Association that she bumped into Mr Lucas again. He gave her his card, she still has it, and they began dating. One year later, they married.
The year was 1971. The place was Mercer University. Juanita was only a freshman, Marvin was a senior. “I asked Marvin if he had change for a five dollar bill. He said no but offered to take me to the store to get change.” Two weeks later the two were engaged.
Operating a child care center seems fitting for a couple with more than fifty years spent as educators. The Drews, proud owners of A Brighter Choice Early Learning Center Fort Valley married thirty-seven years ago. Both have retired from the public school systems in Marshallville and Douglas counties.
Rudell Richardson’s office on Pio Nono Avenue is extremely busy during tax season. He primarily deals with tax returns more complex than the usual E-9 tax returns most people file. One more aspect that makes his job worthwhile is having his wife, Dr Cornell Peters, operate her family practice right next door. They met through a colleague and client eight years ago and have been happily married since.