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Tavares festival kicks off Black History Month events

Tavares festival kicks off Black History Month events

by DeVore Design, February 9, 2016

Gospel songs, chicken, African garb and artwork featuring prominent black leaders were among a number of features Saturday at the annual Tavares African-American Heritage Festival.

The festival helped to kick off a number of Black History Month events slated for February in Lake County.

Sponsored by the city’s African-American Heritage Committee, the festival started late Friday evening. It got going again Saturday morning with a parade that featured dozens of floats such as a step team, bands, dancers, civic organizations, church groups, fire trucks and Shriners driving miniature race cars.

Members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office helped to lead the way as dozens of onlookers lined each side of the streets.

“If you do the crime you will do the time,” shouted the parade’s emcee, Charles Mose, as the group of deputies marched past.

Tavares Mayor Robert Wolfe took a ride in a Tavares police SUV in the parade as he waved at those lining the street. Some marchers that came from outside the county included the Orlando’s Young Blacks in Action Community Band and Dancettes who appeared to save their best for a performance in front of the parade stand.

“They put on a show every year,” said Todd Watts of Eustis, as he clapped his hands to the beat of percussion instruments.

A float from the Eustis African American Heritage Committee also took part in the parade. They will host several of events this month.

At least one of the floats during Saturday’s parade was adorned with the colors of red, black and green — colors of the Pan-African flag.

“This is a way to help keep our heritage alive,” said Rodney Jackson, as he waved at a group of participants on one of the floats.

After the parade — the festival continued in into nearby Wooton Park where the aroma of chicken, ribs and other food filled the air. Vendors sold various merchandise and a giant white tent showcased various musical acts.

The origins of Black History Month in the United States started in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week” — the week that marked the birthdays of Abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.

In 1976, Black History Month was first officially recognized by President Gerald Ford.

Due to conflicts with the times of other events, an annual Black History Month celebration in Leesburg will take place in March.

Other Black History Month upcoming events scheduled for Lake and Sumter counties include:

  • FRIDAY, FEB. 19: Black Achievers Banquet, 7 p.m., 601 Northshore Dr., Eustis, $30 donation.
  • SATURDAY, FEB. 20: Eustis’ African-American Heritage Festival, parade and carnival at 10 a.m. at Eustis High School Curtwright Campus, 1810 Bates Ave.
  • TUESDAY, FEB. 23: African-American History, 6 p.m., Ebenezer AME Church, 390 E. County Road 462 in Royal (Wildwood).
  • SATURDAY, FEB. 27: African-American History Fundraiser, 4 to 7 p.m. at Wildwood Country Resort, Country Road 44 in Wildwood. Food, music and more. Cost $30 at the door, $25 advance.
  • SUNDAY, FEB. 28: Celebrating African-American Military Veterans, 3:30 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 535 S. Bay St., in Eustis.
  • SUNDAY, FEB. 28: “An Amazing Woman Married to an Historic Man: Coretta Scott King” play, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Eustis High School Auditorium, 1300 E. Washington St., Eustis.

The Leesburg Black Heritage Festival starts March 4 with a $20 Black Tie Gala at 7 p.m. at the Leesburg Community Center: It continues on March 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a free parade and a festival of activities at a lot at the corner of Pine and Childs streets.

A health fair also will be part of the festival.

The Leesburg event ends March 6 with a gospel concert at 5 p.m. at the Christian Worship Center.