Results

City of Lakeland, FL

01/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2025 11:43

City News Blog: Black History Month Celebration

City News Blog: Black History Month Celebration

LAKELAND, FL(January 15, 2024) | Get ready to experience the vibrant celebration of Black History Month at the Black History Festival in Lakeland! Join us on Saturday, February 15, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. at Jackson Park for an unforgettable day filled with live performances, exciting activities, and cultural enrichment.

Feel the rhythm as local dancers dazzle and spoken word artists inspire throughout the day. Wander through the park to discover artisan vendors, mouth-watering food trucks, and a thrilling car show, plus tons of fun kids' activities!

The celebration continues on stage with live entertainment and performances from local dance groups and community icons, all celebrating Lakeland's rich history and neighborhood spirit. Be sure to visit the Coleman-Bush Building, where a permanent history exhibit awaits, showcasing the powerful story of Lakeland's Black community and pioneers. Featuring an interactive touchscreen, this exhibit highlights the remarkable contributions and history of African Americans in our city.

Bob Donahay, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts, shares, "We are incredibly fortunate to have engaged citizens and civic leaders who collaborate with our team to ensure the history of our neighborhoods is honored and celebrated. We're excited to join the community in commemorating Black History Month at this year's festival!"

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and honor their vital contributions to US history. Founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, this month-long celebration has been officially recognized by the U.S. government since 1975, and countries like Canada and the UK also dedicate time to this important observance.

The festival will take place at Jackson Park and the Coleman-Bush Building, located at 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33805. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and promises something special for everyone.

For more details, visit lakelandgov.net/events/black-history-festival, or call 863-834-3350Interested in becoming a vendor? Email us at [email protected]is limited, so act fast! Don't miss out on this celebration of culture, history, and community-see you there!

Contact

Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
[email protected]

About Lakeland

The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.

For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.

For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.

Posted by Communications on 15 Jan 2025