African-American celebration

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 23, 2001

Celebrate Black History Month with a day of ethnic music, dance, food, storytelling, workshops, gospel choirs and step teams at the second annual Florida African-American Heritage Celebration from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Pinewood Cultural Park, off Walsingham Road on 125th St. N, Largo.

The free event showcases the diversity of African-American culture and recognizes blacks' contributions to society. It will feature speakers including NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, Florida Highwayman artist James Gibson and Tuskegee Airman Yenwith Whitney. Entertainment will be provided by jazz vocalist Fred Johnson; reggae band Impulse; the On Que Players; Abasi Ote, a traditional African musician; and nine gospel choirs from around the Tampa Bay area. Many exhibits, workshops, children's activities and historical presentations also are planned.

The Rev. Jimmy Keel will talk about the Buffalo Soldiers, and author/historian Robert Saunders will discuss the civil rights movement in Florida. African-Americans are encouraged to bring a historical photo to the festival so black history in Pinellas County can be better documented.

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