Navy Captain Gail Harris shares inspiring journey at MLK celebration

Palm Beach State College welcomed Gail Harris, retired United States Navy Captain, as its keynote speaker at the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Jan. 23 in the Duncan Theatre at the Lake Worth campus. Harris spoke about her journey in the Navy, overcoming obstacles and Dr. King’s impact on her life in a conversation moderated by Tania Rogers, anchor for WPTV NewsChannel 5.

Themed “Turning Obstacles into Opportunities” the celebration drew hundreds of attendees, including PBSC students, faculty and staff, community members and local high school students.

Harris first realized she wanted to be in the Navy while watching television with her father when she was only five years old.

“One day we were watching TV, and it was a World War II movie, and I turned to my father, and I said, ‘Daddy that’s what I want to do when I grow up.’ My dad had been in the Army in the aftermath of WWII when it was segregated, and he could’ve burned my dream right then and there. Instead, he looked at me and said, ‘This is America you can be what you want to be’,” Harris said.

Harris joined the Navy in 1973 and became the first woman in naval history to serve as an intelligence officer in a Navy combat job. She was the first woman or African American at almost every job assignment she had. Throughout her career, Harris encountered discrimination and prejudice on the job. When she first started many people refused to salute her and her first workplace didn't have a women’s restroom.

“I expected when I joined the Navy to face problems because of my race, but I didn’t expect an issue with being a woman,” Harris said. “I called my dad, and he said, ‘If someone has a problem with you because you’re a woman or because you’re Black that’s their problem, don’t make it yours.”

Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech inspired Harris to follow her dreams and continue pushing through obstacles. At her retirement in December 2001, she was the highest ranking African American female in the Navy. Today, she encourages everyone to follow their dreams no matter how impossible they may seem.

“Focus on winning the war, you might lose a few battles, but I have found a setback is a set up. Don’t self-eliminate, defy gravity and believe in yourself,” Harris said.

The 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award Winners were also honored during the celebration. President Ava L. Parker, J.D., presented the awards to recognize those doing inspiring work in the community and living out Dr. King’s dream. 

The five honorees were: Clara Acero, PBSC alumna and Executive Director of Kingdom Charitable Trust; Dr. Winsome Vassell, PBSC Nursing professor; Lynne L. Hubbard, Councilwoman for Riviera Beach; Gibril King, PBSC student and president of the Black Student Union; and Path to College, an organization that provides college counseling for underprivileged students.

“Dr. King’s legacy isn’t something that should just be celebrated on one day but many days to come,” Parker said. “I hope you remain steadfast in your work and service efforts and stand up for people and what’s right and important even in the face of adversity.”

To watch the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. ceremony.

To see photos from the event, view the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Flickr album.