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Learn about our local Black history
February marks Black History Month, when we take time to celebrate the contribution African diaspora populations have made to American. It's a history that some would like to whitewash. As such, with each generation, there appears to be renewed urgency to understand the legacy of our Black citizens. When we take time to learn about our country's Black history, 'new' stories are discovered and told, constructing a better understanding of who we are as a nation.
Lakeland and the surrounding area has a rich Black history. Take time to explore it, this month.
Lakeland Black History Discovery Trail
Starting Monday, February 7th, the City of Lakeland invites the community to join on an educational adventure by visiting city facilities to learn about Lakeland’s Black pioneers. This self-led activity encourages explorers young and old to learn about local individuals of color that helped shape Lakeland’s history. For those unable to visit the locations in person, there is an online option at www.lakelandgov.net/discoverytrail.
Click here to find the trail stop locations, where you can pick up an activity card and get a sticker for each visit. The first 100 completed cards, and presented at Simpson Park Community Center, will receive a Black History Month Commemorative Bag filled with goodies. The event ends February 25.
Black History Festival
The public is invited to join the City of Lakeland in celebrating Black History Month at Jackson Park, 1130 Martin Luther King Junior Ave, on February 19 from 10 a.m. - to 2 p.m. for the Annual Black History Festival. The event will be a fun-filled, family-friendly day that will include performances, food vendors, crafts, and historic displays. There will be members from the City of Lakeland’s Parks & Recreation Department on hand giving away free plants while supplies last. The event will be emceed by Unspoken Word, a local group of up-and-coming community leaders.
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