On February 15, 2019, the election operations center was renamed the O.C. Pleasant Jr. Election Operations Center in honor of the longest-serving election commissioner in SCEC’s history.
Pleasant began serving on the commission in 1979 and was a cornerstone of the commission for 30 years. He served as chairman of the Election Commission for 24 years and was on the Election Commission when the Operations Center was built.
Following his death on Dec. 9, 2018, County Commissioner Willie Brooks led an effort to dedicate the name of the Operations Center on Nixon Drive to Pleasant.
“Brother O.C. Pleasant was a great mentor, role model, public servant and Kappa Man who served in leadership roles on various Boards in our community and within Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.,” Brooks said. “I became acquainted with Brother Pleasant during my days at Manassas High School and value our relationship throughout 30-plus years. He was precise, methodical and detail oriented during many of our fraternity meetings. His institutional knowledge and wisdom spoke volumes. Brother Pleasant’s actions created a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more than oneself. Brother Pleasant was there for me in every milestone as Chapter Polemarch, Sr. Vice Polemarch and Province Polemarch for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Election to Memphis City School Board; Election to the Memphis Charter Commission and Election to the County Commission. He was a strong supporter and I am very grateful for the positive impact he made on me from my school days to now. Brother Pleasant shared with me that long-term success is built on credibility and on establishing enduring relationships with quality people based on mutually earned trust. He often reminded me to cut all ties with dishonest, negative or lazy people, and associate with people who share your values. You become who you associate with.”
Mrs. Pleasant attended the dedication ceremony and was presented with an American flag that had been flown over the center.
