Attorney Charles Gee from Gee & Lee
Photo credit: Gee & Lee Attorneys At Law
Attorney Charles Gee experienced adversity before receiving the key to his hometown city, which aided in his positive influence in the community.
Gee grew up in the rural area of Quincy and for three years, attended high school at FAMU High, but graduated from Gadsden County High School. He always had the dream of attending college but didn’t quite know how.
Gee said the resources and opportunities were very slim for him growing up.
“I always wanted to go to college but didn’t know how. I didn’t know about finances, I didn’t know about financial aid. I don’t know if I was prideful or scared, but I didn’t open my mouth,” Gee said.
After graduating from Gadsden, he was accepted into Florida A&M University in 2009. Coming in as a freshman, Gee internally felt a sense of disconnect. Gee did not know many people except his childhood friend Mario Roberts.
Through the years, they remained good friends. They motivated each other to be the best that they can be. They would never give up even through the times of struggle.
“Charles has always been very ambitious. Even when we were young, he was a big dreamer and a forward thinker,” Roberts said. “We often speak about our careers, families, business aspirations and ways to make a difference.”
Gee established a great relationship with one of his professors, Kenneth Jones, during his time at FAMU. Gee had been working the front desk at a Super 8 at night from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next morning and going to class at 8 a.m. He had financial struggles, so he was in and out of school. There were times he would even bring his niece to class.
“He brought her to class a couple of times. His niece was his heart. He’s well mannered
and just didn’t give up. If he didn’t have the money he’d take off then come back. You can’t teach that comeback spirit,” Jones said.
Gee mentioned how Jones would challenge his fears. Jones, a professor and director of FAMU’s News 20 at 5, always remembered Gee’s hard work and determination to finish school while doing well in all his classes. While at FAMU Gee was involved in many student media organizations such as, WANM 90.5 The Flava Station, TV News, and J-School Journals, where he had the opportunity to make a documentary called “Unmute.”
Gee’s foundation at FAMU contributed to how he was presented the key to the city of Quincy by Quincy City Commission on Jan. 15. Beating all odds is what makes Gee a role model today. He is now a personal injury lawyer at Gee & Lee Law Firm, with his partner Adaryll Lee in Orlando.
“Iron sharpens iron, and we really try to hold each other accountable and motivate each other in every conceivable way,” Roberts expressed. about Gee.