2012 Gems & Jewels Honoree

Dr. Willie Blair

Willie Blair was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. After graduation from college he entered the United States Navy and received his commission as a naval officer serving a full tour in South  Viet Nam. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy he served as the Operations Manager for the Dillingham Marine Oceans Services in San Diego. In 1984 he received his Master’s degree in Business Administration from National University in San Diego, California.

From 1986 to 1991 he served as the Community Outreach Assistant for San Diego Mayor Maureen O’Connor. Since 1992 he has served on the staff of U.S. Congressman Bob Filner and is now serving in the capacity of Special Assistant. In 2002 he was awarded his honorary Doctorate degree in Humane Letters from Imani Kuumba College in San Diego.

Presently he is the president and chairman of the board of the Camp Lockett Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the famous Buffalo Soldiers, the last horse-mounted Cavalry of the United States Army. Dr. Blair is a researcher, lecturer, and frequent public speaker on both the regional and national scenes.