By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Fred Perriman, president and co-founder of the Morgan County African American Museum, came to this newspaper with the idea of choosing four members of the community to be spotlighted during Black History Month in February.
This one spotlights Leon Peters, who has spent his entire life in Morgan County. The theme of building – family, houses, community, and relationships – has been strong throughout his life.
Family is important to him. He and his wife, Pat, have a daughter, Monica Allen. Growing up, he and his siblings heeded their parents’ words: work hard and don’t make excuses.
“All of that was instilled in all 13 of us,” he said. “I think that’s the right way.”
Another thing he keeps in mind is one of his father’s sayings: nothing is free. He said that knowledge is key to pursuing what you want.
As to his family’s accomplishments, Peters noted that his wife and daughter are in business together and that his siblings have been successful in different areas. His family claims 100 years of military service, too.
“I feel like I’m the least of the totem pole,” he said. “They’ve accomplished quite a bit.”
Peters’ accomplishments are worth noting, too. A 1980 graduate of Morgan County High School, he attended a two-year trade school, Atlanta Area Technical, and studied carpentry.
“I was raised up doing carpentry work and farming,” he said.
He began his construction business years ago. In recent years he brought in a partner, Carl Scott. Together they own Peters and Scott Construction, LLC.
“I love doing what I do,” he said.
He noted that he went into business for himself so that he could build homes in a different way: he purchases homes – homes others did not want and investors would not consider – and refurbishes them, all to make the community better.
“I put in a good, quality home and use the people there to give them a chance to work,” he said.
He also strives to better his community in other ways, from working with Habitat for Humanity to the Boys & Girls Club to helping senior citizens.
“What I try to do is: if you’re able physically to do for beyond just yourself, you should,” he said. “It’s my duty to give back, to help someone less fortunate than I am.”
A member of Smyrna Baptist Church, Peters said that as a Christian, it is his duty to help others.

Printed in the February 14, 2013 edition