These are the faces of black leaders past and present.

All have a strong bond in common: once great athletes, who become great staples in the community.

The name Corey Fuller may sound familiar. He's currently the head football coach at East Gadsden High School.

"My background, where I come from, the side of town I grew up on, the school that I attended, has shaped and molded me into the young man that I am today," Fuller said.

Fuller is from Tallahassee and played Cornerback for Florida State University from 1990-1994. After a successful college career he graduated and super stardom followed.

The Minnesota Vikings NFL team drafted him 55th overall in 1995.

After two years with them, he moved on to play for the Cleveland Browns. Next, he played for the Ravens.

"Everyday you walk into the building of the NFL, from the first man on the roster to number 53, you're fighting to keep your job," Fuller said.

He was in the NFL for ten seasons before retiring in 2004.

He settled in Cleveland, but says he woke up one day and knew he belonged in Tallahassee.

He knew he wanted to work with kids. Make a difference in the community. He began to work with schools.

On top of leading the East Gadsden football team, Fuller believes in giving back his time to a community that helped turn him into the person he is today. The same way other black athletes have done.

Fuller added, "Sports and black history month will always be tied together."

Now meet Leroy Smith...or Mr. Smith from what his class calls him.

"To be able to come to your hometown and give back, it's an amazing thing," Smith said.

Similar to Fuller, Smith is a former FSU Cornerback. After finishing up at Florida State, he made it as a free agent on the Chicago Bears football team.

Later he played for several Arena Football teams.

Now, he teaches 5th and 6th graders at West Gadsden High school

"I wish that for all of these kids I teach," Smith said.

"I want them to be able to go off and visit this world and be able to come back and give to the generation behind them."

Smith says he chose to attend Florida State partly because of the great athletes that preceded him. It makes him appreciate his history that much more.

"People like Jackie Robinson, you know Sajel Page, many people who broke barriers for black athletes," he added.

For Fuller the best part of his career was not football, but knowing he obtained a degree.

For Smith, he looks forward to getting back into football, but maintaining a strong presence in the community. Just like many other greats serving the big bend.

Celebrating a rich history, while building upon it.