The Osceola County’s NAACP held an Influential and Impactful Reception on February 7 at Chambers Park in Kissimmee, where they celebrated 16 African American leaders who have made a positive impact in and around the Osceola County community.
February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements and history of African Americans, but as community leader and former school teacher Deloris McMillon said during a Osceola County Commission meeting earlier this month, “the main point I want to get across is that black history is not just a month, black history is 365 days a year, and celebrating black history keeps the facts in front of everyone, and helps is to not forget. We have come a long way, but there are still some changes to be done.”
The leaders recognized at the event were Angela Eady, Matthew Quaindo, Leia Perez, Lavell Monger, Abigail Ellis, Nadia Winston, Dewy Wilkerson, Jen Paul, Lane Allen, Marilyn Walker, Lisa Green, Anthony Cook, Andrea Rolle, Eric Pinnelas, Arnold King, and Casmore Shaw.
“Black history is American history. It was built on our strength and on our backs, and it’s important that our young people know the struggles we have gone through. Also it highlights the accomplishments of Blacks. There is a lot that can be learned and progress can continue, and Osceola County continues to work with all the diverse groups in the county, community leader Deloris McMillon said at the commission meeting earlier in February.
On February 7, the City of Kissimmee held its own ceremony, lifting up the accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans to the community, celebrating how they have helped to build and shape our diverse American culture.
