Northside Business Leaders

The March interview was conducted with Sollie Mitchell. After watching the video, it was apparent that I could have listened to him all afternoon. He has done some amazing things and he has my respect and admiration. I am sure all of you will feel the same way after seeing the video. 

Sollie graduated from High School in 1940. He had a college scholarship, but did not have the $100 for the required uniform. Someone suggested Florida Memorial College in St. Augustine. The bus fare was $.39 (which he did not have). Determined to go to college, he rode his bicycle there. The college President was impressed, and asked him what he could do. He replied that he could cook, so he was to help with breakfast & lunch. He did this until he was drafted into the service. 

In August, 1941, he was to go into the service for a period of 18 months. On December 7, 1941, it was mandated that he stay in the service for the duration of the war. For three years, he worked as a clerk at Fort Benning, GA. From there, he went to Aberdeen Proving Ground to help train soldiers with weapons. He was to go to Tokyo. When the atomic bomb was dropped, he thought he would be able to go home, however, he went to Tokyo on September 9, 1945. He worked as a clerk in Douglas MacArthur's office. Shortly after being promoted to Staff Sergeant, he was discharged on January 11, 1946.

 Fresh out of the service, he came back to Jacksonville to look for a job. In less that 90 days, he found employment with CSX. Sollie started in the Operating Department and moved to Accounting. He worked on the Florida Special from New York to Miami, which he seemed to like the most. He got to meet various people, such as President Truman, the Duke of Windsor, Jackie Gleason, and professional boxers Joe Lewis, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Cassius Clay. He stayed with CSX until retiring in 1981. 

After retiring in 1981, Sollie became involved with the Masons. The temple is on 6th Street in Historic Springfield. He holds the title of Sovereign Grand Inspector General. He spoke of working with Louise DeSpain and SPAR in the past. He has not been involved with organization lately, although he speaks very highly of his Springfield neighbors.

 Sollie's spare time is divided between the Masonic Temple, his church (Mount Zion AME), treasurer duties at the Juvenile Detention Center, and mentoring young people at Edward Waters College.

 In addition to all of that, he is a 16 year member of the Northside Business Leaders. He speaks of great affection for George Corey, who assisted him after his sister was hit on Lem Turner. Clyde Jennings was his mentor, and he speaks very fondly of other members as well. He enjoys the banquet each year, and always brings his wife, Mary. He says she loves the club also. He comes to most all of the meetings, and according to Sollie, "Miss Northside Business Leaders is like missing breakfast." Thank you Sollie & Mary, for entering the "Spotlight." As always, special thanks to Paul Forte, who video taped the interview.

 Shannon Elian,  PropVoice Management