Jenice RankinsDr. Jenice Rankins (EdD, MS, BS RDN), an alumna of Columbia University, Iowa State University, and Tuskegee University (TU) is the author of this book. It is the outcome of over fifteen years of research progressively gathered and presented during biannual family reunions honoring Grandpa BC Rankins Sr. and his wife Alice Sanders Rankins and their off-spring. Dr. Rankins is credited with a forty-year nutrition career: first, as City Nutritionist in Newark N.J.; and then as a TU faculty member and director of an International Food and Nutrition Center, which afforded working opportunities with USAID-funded projects in seven African Countries, Jamaica, Haiti, and Guadeloupe. She joined Florida State University (FSU) faculty in 1989, where I taught courses and conducted dietetics research and counseling with Bond Community Health Center (BCHC) until retirement in 2015. She is presently a self-employed nutritionist, specializing in Integrative Functional Nutrition and Family History.Contributing Authors, Granpa BC Rankins Sr's Grandchildren and a Great-grandsonBarbara Ann Hill Dillard (RN, BS, Prairie View A&M University), is retired from thirty-five years of employment with the State of Texas, Long Term Care Division. A grandparent of three, Nurse Dilliard enjoys traveling, reading, and learning. She authored her mother's story, (Chapter 7).Carolyn Rankins Shields (JSD - Birmingham School of Law, BS - Alabama State University), now retired from her own private practice law firm established in1993, Lawyer Shields is an active volunteer with political and human rights organizations. She is also a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and author of her father's story (Chapter 10).Celia Rankins Hilliard (BS - Tuskegee University) worked in banking for several years prior to getting married to a career foreign services officer and successfully raising two daughters, while living in Gambia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Maylasia, Italy, Cuba, Venezuela, and Panama. She is my sister and author of our dad's story (Chapter 5).Elbert Lamar Rankins Jr, (Sergeant first Class), with over 42 years of federal government service, studying and following the teachings of Jesus Christ form the foundation of his life. He authored Elbert Sr.'s story (Chapter 13). Dr. Leon Rankins, III (PhD, Apostle, Minister), founded in Pensacola, FL The Restoration Full Gospel Baptist Church in 1998 and ACTS Reentry Center for recovering addicts, ex-cons, and homeless veterans seeking a better life in 2013. He has a wife and two sons, and authored his Granddad Leon Sr.'s story (Chapter 6).Lorenzo (Rinny) Rankins (First Career-long Police Officer) proudly delivered 25 years of exemplary service to his New Brunswick, NJ community. Retired, Officer Rinny performs with a group called The Tramps, having appeared in many countries and TV shows. He authored his father's story (Chapter 4). Lyndia Rankins-Bankston (BA - Georgia State University, MS - Argosy University) is an author, educator, public speaker, mentor, and motivator. The Calling on My Life, her most recent book, focuses on finding the plan and purpose God has set for one's life. She authored her father's story (Chapter 8). Patricia A Rankins (Flight Attendant) has a career that affords rich and rewarding cultural experiences in numerous countries abroad and at home. My current main route is Raleigh, NC to London, England. In February 2025, I will have 33 years of service with American Airlines. I am the author of my dad's story (Chapter 13). Read More Read Less