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A Black History Month celebration preceded last week’s Kissimmee City Commission meeting, where proclamations were given to local African-American leaders. PHOTO/DAVID CHIVERS -
A Black History Month celebration preceded last week’s Kissimmee City Commission meeting, where proclamations were given to local African-American leaders. PHOTO/DAVID CHIVERS
At last Tuesday’s meeting, the Kissimmee City Commission proclaimed February Black History Month, quoting Harriet Tubman: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.”
The commission presented a copy of the proclamation to Andy King, president of the Kissimmee based Caribbean and Floridian Association.
The celebration included a busy and wellattended reception and celebration prior to the meeting celebrated Black History Month with music and dance performances and recitations by students from Neptune Middle School and St. Cloud Middle School. Nine area African-American artists are also featured in a City Hall wide exhibit “Identity” which will run through the end of February.
“This is a time to honor and celebrate the rich contributions of African Americans throughout history,” said Deputy City Manager Desiree Matthews, who served as host at the reception. “Let us embrace this month as an opportunity to recognize the resilience, achievement, and cultural impact of the Black community, ensuring that our stories are not only acknowledged, but also woven into the fabric of our shared history. We are a part of what makes America great.”
“Tonight, we honor the incredible talent and creativity of our local artists as they share their work at our Black History Month Art Exhibit, and also enjoy music and dance performances from our talented students,” said Mayor Olga Gonzalez “As we gather here tonight, let’s remember that our community’s strength lies in its unity and diversity. May this month be an opportunity for us all to learn from one another, encourage one another, and celebrate those that have made a lasting impact in our city.”
The Commission also recognized Michael Douglas Young, pastor of The Kingdom Church in Kissimmee, by proclaiming Feb. 6 to be an appreciation day in recognition of his community service in fostering family empowerment initiatives, and the launching of a local chapter of the National Alliance on Metal Illness (NAMI).
Other upcoming City of Kissimmee events include:
Plan now to attend A Taste of Kissimmee on Friday, Feb. 23 from 5-9 p.m. at Lakefront Park, featuring a range of local Kissimmee eateries.
City recreational basketball league sign-ups for 5–17-year-olds for the season starting Feb. 24 held at the Denn John Middle School are now going on. Call 407-494-3604 or go to allstarsabc.league apps.com.
Spring Break Camp for ages K-5 is available for March 8 and 11-15 at both the Oak Street Park an Chambers Park Community Centers. Call 407-518-2360 (Oak Street) or 407-518-2599 (Chambers Park) Free classes are available this Saturday, Feb. 17 on garden composting at the Quail Hollow Community Garden from 10-11 am, and Feb. 29 on Nutrition Education Chambers Park Community Center from 1-2 p.m. Visit Kissimmee. gov for more information.
