Media release from Floyd County, GA:
Honoring the leadership of three women through their lasting contributions to education, civic engagement, advocacy, and historic preservation the Floyd County Board of Commissioners recognized Joyce Perdue-Smith, Candice Spivey and Dr. Tiffany Pauling during its Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, meeting in celebration of African American History Month.
“Tonight, we celebrated three women whose support strengthens our community in meaningful and lasting ways,” Commission Chair Rhonda Wallace said. “Their work reflects the spirit of African American History Month and service to our community through leadership, resilience and a commitment to building opportunity for others.”
Honorees:
Joyce Perdue-Smith was recognized for leading the restoration of the remaining building at the historic Fairview–E.S. Brown School campus in Cave Spring, a Rosenwald School site that served African American students from 1924 to 1968. Under her leadership, the campus was listed on the National and Georgia Register of Historic Places. The restoration effort has earned major grants and statewide preservation recognition.
Candice Spivey was recognized for 15 years of community service as a civic advocate, organizer, and consultant focused on connecting grassroots work with nonprofit and civic systems. Her efforts have included voter education and registration initiatives, leadership as a lead organizer with One Community United from 2020–2024, and participation with the Rome chapter of the Equal Justice Initiative to support historical research and truth-telling efforts.
Dr. Tiffany Pauling-Brown was recognized for more than 20 years of service at the Georgia School for the Deaf, where she progressed from a new teacher to earning a Ph.D. in Education while continuing to mentor students and colleagues. She supports school leadership activities and represents the school through math competition involvement. She is also known locally for services including coaching special needs cheerleading and mentoring future educators and interpreters.
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