What People Are Saying

“Professor McShay: Your book review was a breath of fresh air. It gave me a greater sense of belonging. A true, verifiable attachment to an important people who are so often left out of the discussion of the earlier years of Lakeland and how they contributed to making it a great place to live and raise families. It is a must read for all Lakeland natives as well as those desiring to know more about our hometown.”

~ Lynn Giles

“Congratulations Yvonne… two years and still growing strong! This book is a must have resource guide for anyone doing business or community advocacy in the Northwest district of Lakeland. It’s a wonderful read, and I enjoyed learning all about the foundation of the community and the contribution of its tenants. I certainly have a different perspective of the the other end of Florida Avenue in Lakeland after reading McShay’s accounts of the districts now & then and who’s who.”

~ Grace Hardy

“Ms. McShay has deftly captured and chronicled significant contributions of African American residents in Polk County with a style that makes for a compelling read. Along the way, we experience trailblazing individuals, each with unique stories and interests, whose lives were instrumental in shaping Lakeland. In addition, Ms. McShay brings to life the history of churches, buildings, organizations and African American communities that led early settlements in the Northwest section of Lakeland. This is a book for everyone who makes Lakeland home.”

~ Margaret Welsh

“My friend, Yvonne McShay told me of the many unsung local heroes who worked to improve the lives of African Americans. I learned how the great citrus industry and local businesses like Publix benefited from the hard work of the people. The living fruit of all these labors were the children we educated.

In this book, Yvonne gives us a glimpse into the lives of the people who planted seeds of the modern City of Lakeland. I believe you will enjoy this visit, in the same way that I treasured my holiday citrus years ago.”

~ Thomas Wilson, Tallahassee, FL.

“Yvonne: I‘m enjoying reading your book. I’m relative new to Lakeland and your “Engaging Essays give a unique insight into our local heroes. I’ve come to know many of those portrayed –including my friend Harold Silas- but did not know the depth of their lives and commitment to this city. Thank you for writing the book.”

~ Donald R. Selvage, SPHR
SHR Human Resources, LLC

“Professor McShay,

I have learned much about my home town after reading your book, Our Lakeland: The Other End of Florida Avenue. I found the book to be an informative engaging read. Thanks for offering giving me a delicious slice of local history! Our Lakeland: The Other End of Florida Avenue will become required reading for my children.”

~ Denise McFadden, ‘99

“Our Lakeland is a small book with powerful voices of movers and shakers in Lakeland. Thank you Ms. McShay for writing this book and for teaching me at PSC.”

Shakira Patterson