Arbor's Own Piece of Black History: Mr. Steve

Steve Gillis, or as we so lovingly know him as “Mr. Steve,” was born on July 4th, 1957 in Dixie County, FL. Like so many African Americans born during this time he was born at home via granny midwife. He was raised most of his life by his grandmother, Alberta Hall.

During this time in Dixie County, Black Americans were only allowed to be on one side of the train tracks unless they worked for white families. There were not many opportunities for Black Americans so, as a child Mr. Steve did groundskeeping work and helped his grandmother who was a sharecropper in the fields. 

Mr. Steve attended High School during the desegregation period. His school was closed and he and his classmates were forced to be bussed across town, where he had never been before to be integrated at the all white school. He recalls there being no Black staff outside of the cleaning staff. He also recalls the Black students including himself being pulled from class to be put in “special classes," and identified as “stupid” because they used words like, “britches” instead of “pants.”

One of the most traumatic memories he has during his high school years was being at school when Dr. King was assassinated. He said they rioted the halls. “We were just so hurt,” he says while recalling the painful memory. A reflection of heartbreak more than rebellion.

Despite the injustice he experienced, Mr. Steve found an unexpected mentor: the head of the janitorial department at his school. After being suspended, his mother insisted he work instead of sitting at home. Under this man’s guidance, he learned the cleaning trade and something deeper that would mold his future.

He was told, “No business can run successfully without being clean.”

That lesson planted a seed. That seed grew into a successful commercial cleaning business that has been operating for over 40 years. Today, Mr. Steve continues that legacy as our Head of Maintenance and Groundskeeping. His work is not just about cleanliness — it is about dignity, pride, and care for the spaces where children grow and learn.

He came to Arbor through an opportunity given by Dianne Sherrill and has made a lifelong impact on this community. Mr. Steve loves Arbor and its students deeply. His advice to them is simple but powerful:

“Always have respect for one another, and listen before you answer.”

When he reflects on everything he has lived through: segregation, integration, loss, and perseverance he says he feels hope. The respect and love he experiences within the Arbor community fills him with optimism for the future.

Mr. Steve’s story is not in black and white, it is in color. It is filled with pain, perseverance, resilience, and hope. He is a walking testimony to how far we have come and how much further we can go. To have him here at Arbor is not just a blessing, it is a reminder that history is not behind us. It is with us.