Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
The City of Tampa Black History Committee, Inc. is set to host the 37th Annual Black History Celebration on February 17 at the historic Tampa Theatre. The event, which begins at 11 a.m., is free and open to the public.
This year's theme, "Trailblazers: Leading Change," will highlight nine individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields such as business, arts, community advocacy, and healthcare.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will deliver remarks alongside City Council members and staff. Bay News 9 Reporter Fadia Patterson will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. Mayor Castor stated, “Black history is American history, and the contributions of these local community leaders deserve to be celebrated.” She emphasized that these individuals have positively impacted lives and communities.
The honorees for this year include Antonio Brown from Central Station Barbershop & Grooming; Erica Hardison of One Community Grocery Co-op; Dr. Angela M. Hill from USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy; Kehsi Iman from New Disabled South; Arizona Jenkins from New Horizons Support Group; Latonia Jones of Annie’s Assisted Living Facility & Top 2 Bottom Builders; Vickie Oldham from Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc.; Jean-René Rinvil, an artist and filmmaker; and Darrius Stallworth from City of Tampa Housing & Community Development.
Attendees can expect performances including a jazz trio by whataboutmama, spoken word by poet Queen Jua, and a presentation by Kuumba Dance & Drummers.
Dr. Angela Hill will deliver the keynote address. As a Professor and Associate Dean at USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, she has played a key role in Alzheimer's research and increasing minority participation in medical studies.
Since its inception in 1999, the City of Tampa Black History Committee has awarded scholarships to students across Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay region to support education and preserve Black history.
For more information about the celebration or to contact Shelisia Bradley, COTBHC Program Director, call 813-391-0271 or email Shelisia.Jackson@tampagov.net.
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