City of Orlando Celebrates Black History Month at Annual Event
Last updated on February 13, 2020
February 13, 2020 – Orlando, Florida – Last night, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners hosted the city’s annual Black History Month reception in the Orlando City Hall Rotunda, recognizing the contributions and positive influence of African Americans in the Central Florida community.
“This month we celebrate and honor all of those who have contributed, both large and small, to the advancement of our city in the fight for equality for all people,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The City of Orlando embraces our community’s diversity, believes in inclusion and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of African Americans to our county, state and city as we celebrate Black History Month.”
This year’s event explored the rise of black elected and appointed officials and celebrated the struggles and accomplishments on the part of black men and women for their right to vote. To help honor the achievements of African Americans in Central Florida, the City of Orlando hosted the grand opening of the "Zuri" art exhibition by local visual artist Peterson Guerrier, which celebrates the strength, struggle and perseverance of Orlando’s black history.
“The story of African Americans is a story of resilience, perseverance and achievement,” Mayor Dyer remarked. “This celebration gives us another opportunity to recognize the individuals who’ve shaped our country in so many different ways, from fighting for civil rights, to making the arts accessible for everyone, to providing educational opportunities that have changed lives.”
Event highlights also included a proclamation declaring February “Black History Month” in the City of Orlando, remarks from keynote speaker Desmond Meade, President of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), and the announcement of the winners of the Black History Month youth art competition.
For more information, please contact multiculturalaffairs@orlando.gov or call 407.246.3211.
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