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Special to the Advance

Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Council Treasurer Amy Gantt and Dr. Deidra Suwanee Dees presented a $1,000 check the Youth Leadership Atmore program on March 31.

The check was in honor of Dees who, along with Gantt, who were invited to the University of South Carolina on Oct. 25, 2024 by Dr. Emily Ruth Allen.

Allen serves as instructor of music at the USC’s Institute for Southern Studies in the School of Music.

“I am truly honored to support the Youth Leadership Atmore,” Gantt said. “Investing in our youth is crucial, as they represent the future of our society. My grandmother always emphasized the value of our heritage and the impact we can have on those around us. I hope this donation encourages the young leaders in our area to pursue their passions and make a positive difference in our community.”

Gantt and Dees said they chose to donate the check to the program because it supports local youth from each high school throughout the Atmore area.

YLA helps build leadership among high school juniors by motivating them to achieve personal growth opportunities and leadership training while learning first-hand how the community works and how leadership can make a difference.

This program passes down knowledge to the youth just as Gantt and Dees passed down knowledge to students at USC.

Gantt shared, “The incredible legacy of my maternal grandmother, Ms. Roberta McGhee Sells [1917-2002], who played a crucial role in the journey of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians toward Federal Recognition as the Secretary of the governing body of our Tribe.”

“My grandmother was a truly inspirational figure in my life and in the lives of many others. A cornerstone of our family, she embodied remarkable faith, strength, and humility,” Gantt said. “She instilled in us the importance of our spiritual lives, teaching us that church and God are central to our existence. She laid a strong foundation of love and acceptance, encouraging us to see the commonalities among people rather than their differences. Most importantly, her unwavering dedication to our Tribe was truly inspiring. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly for the benefit of Indian people, bringing hope and meaning to many lives during challenging times.”

YLA Chairwoman Jodi James said youth empowerment is more important than ever in today’s world.

“The younger generation is the future, and ensuring that they are equipped with the tools, resources and support to lead is crucial,” James said. “We are excited to announce that we are reestablishing the Youth Leadership Atmore program for 2025-2026. Known to many as YLA, this program is for local juniors in high school. Programs such as YLA play a pivotal role in helping our youth learn life skills all while being educated on Atmore’s history and future economic development. We strive to offer them the tools for success once leaving for college and hope that they will return home to their roots here in Atmore once their education is completed.”

Chamber Executive Director Addison Long said YLA is more than just a program; it’s an opportunity for students to gain real-world skills.

“From financial literacy and interview skills to economic development, etiquette and Atmore’s rich history, YLA equips young leaders with the tools they need to excel in their future careers and communities,” Long said. “This program holds a special place in my heart, as it was my first introduction to the chamber. As a 2019 YLA student, the experience prepared me for the challenges of college and beyond. Now, I’m honored to work alongside Jodi James, my program leader, to help guide the next generation of YLA students.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation made to Youth Leadership Atmore,” she added. “Contributions like these ensure that we can continue providing students with valuable learning experiences that make a lasting impact. Thank you for investing in the future of our community.”