Community leaders and members gathered in the Kissimmee City Hall Rain Garden Tuesday to celebrate Black History Month with speakers, performers, and an art exhibition being held throughout City Hall. Presented by Osceola Arts, the annual Black History Month Exhibition is part of the Art in Public Places Program.

By placing art in public places, Osceola Arts is bringing creativity to the community. “It’s always an honor and a pleasure to represent the communities here in Central Florida and to put up these exhibitions at City Hall,” said Diana Colon, Visual Arts Coordinator with Osceola Arts.

The Art in Public Places program gives local and emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents throughout Osceola County. This exhibition features the work of five talented Central Florida artists, each using unique mediums to express their creative vision: Omowura Adedayo, Calvin Bell, Jasmine Paints, Raquel Pantin, and Pamela Allbright.

The vibrant pieces will brighten the walls of the first and second floor of the building through March 1.

WESH 2 reporter Gail Paschall-Brown welcomed the crowd at the reception in the Rain Garden and introduced some of the participants: the Rev. Nina Hill, President of NAACP Osceola County; Mayor Jackie Espinosa; Judge Gabrielle Sanders-Morency, 9th Judicial Circuit Court; and Dominic Clark, manager of programs and events, African American Chamber of Commerce, Central Florida. “Today we come together to celebrate culture, art, honor, legacy, and recognize those making an impact today,” Paschall-Brown said.

“I am the first black county judge,” said Judge Gabrielle Sanders-Morency. “It is truly an honor, and it is a huge responsibility that I do not take lightly. It reminds me that several doors were opened for some, and they were built by courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. But many of those that came before me did not get an opportunity to walk through those doors themselves,” she said. “This is a time not only to reflect on where we’ve been, but to consider how history continues to shape our presence and guide our responsibility for the future. Black history is not separate from American history. It is a story of resilience in the face of exclusion, of leadership forged under pressure, and of service carried out even when recognition was denied. It reminds us that progress has often come because ordinary people chose to do extraordinary things, sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly, but always with purpose.”

“From entrepreneurship to innovation, black culture continues to influence the economic and social fabric of this nation,” Dominic Clark said. “In diverse cities like Kissimmee, culture is not a challenge to manage. It’s an asset to leverage. It strengthens collaborations, fuels creativity, but ultimately drives growth.” He continued, “Black history is not something that we only remember. It is something that we’re actively making. When voices are protected, democracy is strengthened, and when history is honored honestly, progress becomes possible. So we’re not just celebrating 100 years of black history. We’re deciding how the next chapter will be written.” 

Osceola Arts continues to strengthen the cultural fabric of Central Florida through its Art in Public Places program, proudly partnering with local businesses and government agencies to make art a visible, everyday part of community life. With artwork on display at locations such as Kissimmee City Hall, Hart Memorial Library, Buenaventura Lakes Library, West Osceola Library, and the Veteran’s Memorial St. Cloud Library, residents and visitors are invited to explore Osceola County and experience powerful expressions of creativity and vision. By placing art in public spaces, Osceola Arts not only provides local and emerging artists with meaningful opportunities to showcase their talents, but also reinforces the vital role the arts play in building a healthy, connected community. Those interested in becoming part of the Art in Public Places program are encouraged to apply and help continue bringing creativity for the soul to Kissimmee and beyond.

For more information about Osceola Arts, visit https://www.osceolaarts.org