River Life Studio, Bradford Environmental Forum, Concerned Citizens of Bradford County Inc., and The Alligator Creek Garden Club are pleased with the successful outcome of the 2023 Black History Month Celebration – Legacy March, which took place on Feb. 11 at The Old Rec Center, home of the Robinson Jenkins Ellerson (RJE) Alumni Association in Starke.
The festive event was attended by close to 100 folks from Bradford County’s historic Black neighborhoods and visitors from as far away as Georgia.
“You could feel the love in the air as various members of the community told their stories and their history of growing up in Starke. There was camaraderie and pride in each person’s accomplishments,” said attendee Linda Diksha Altman of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
With heavy rain forecasted, the day’s activities were moved indoors. The change made for an intimate atmosphere of rooms creatively decorated with African fabrics adorning potted plants, accenting vendor tables, and artful displays of literature and historic photographs.
An exhibit of full-sized photos of Black women of the African Continent and Diaspora formed an appealing backdrop for the audience as a history of Black hair and styles was presented. The display was generously donated by Evelyn Colon, executive director of Highway Park Neighborhood Preservation & Enhancement District, and a member of the celebration’s planning committee.
Highlights of the event:
• Lively entertainment of old school R&B music from DJ Derek Dean and African drumming performed by Ngoma Thunder African American Drum Troop.
• The Nan Nkama Pan-African Junior Dance Ensemble thrilled the audience with authentic Mande dances from West Africa.
• Vignettes of Bradford County history and neighborhoods – Reno, The Slue, The Hill, Lawtey, Speedville, Hampton, Lincoln City, and Pleasant Grove – were presented by Valara Petteway.
• A rousing recitation of “His Story” by Gil Scott Heron, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” a Langston Hughes poem, and stories of family connections to Starke were presented by Jacksonville native, Rahman Johnson.
• The Legacy March featured audience members with family ties to Bradford County announcing the names of their families followed by a moment of silence to honor their ancestors.
Event Coordinator Ok Sun Burks was delighted with the turn out for this first event. “I could not have asked for a better result. Even with the dreary day and intermittent drizzling, people came out and stayed, said Burks. “Attendees shopped with vendors – Starke native Joann Williams Addison sold out of her pies and cakes, while lines formed at Green Cuisine’s food truck to partake Chef Berlin Bernard’s delicious Caribbean dishes.”
“I want to extend special thanks to VyStar Credit Union for their sponsored support, Henry Wade whose turn as Master of Ceremonies kept the program interesting, and Angela Thompson and Martini White, who graciously donated gift bags for giveaways. In a couple of months we’ll begin planning for next year’s celebration. So, keep an ear to the ground.”
Ford.
