Willie Townes was a graduate of Rowan High School and went on to play collegiate football at the University of Tulsa, where he became one of the best defensive linemen in the school’s history. After college he joined the National Football League where he played for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants.
Charles Lawrence is an attorney and civic leader with a three-decade career in public service. He was one of the first African Americans elected as councilman for the City of Hattiesburg, and later went on to become Municipal Court judge and then City Attorney. He is known for his fairness and easy-going personality.
