A Blue Ribbon Planning Committee met recently with State Representative Geraldine F. Thompson to outline a number of summer activities related to the designation of Orange Blossom Trail between Gore Avenue and Church Street as Edna S. Hargrett Avenue. The street designation is the result of Committee Bill 7039 which, based on legislation filed by Rep. Thompson, includes recognition of the work and contributions of Mrs. Edna S. Hargrett to the Central Florida area. Committee members plan a kick-off event on Friday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Edna S. Hargrett Music Suite at Jones High School to celebrate Mrs. Hargrett’s birthday and to obtain contributions from the public that will be used in the celebration. The celebration and unveiling will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21 at the Jones High School Auditorium.
The Blue Ribbon Committee is chaired by opera singer, Curtis Rayam, who was a student of Mrs. Hargrett’s. Committee members include: Dr. Robert Spooney, Representative Geraldine F. Thompson, Mr. James Chief Wilson, Mrs. Margaret Hester, Mrs. Janice Sampson-Johnson, Father Rudi Cleare, Mrs. Thereatha Williams, Mrs. Barbara Burns, and Mrs. Adelma Wallace. Mr. Rayam will organize an Edna Hargrett Alumni Choir which will perform during the ceremony on Saturday, July 21. Individuals who wish to participate in the Alumni Choir should register with the office of Rep. Thompson at 407-245-1511. Alumni Choir registrants will be contacted by Mr. Rayam regarding a schedule of rehearsals. Members of the public are invited to attend the Hargrett Birthday Kickoff in the Music Suite at Jones High School at 7:00 p.m. on June 15 and contribute memorabilia for later use on July 21.
Items requested from the public include copies of choir programs, choir gowns and uniforms, newspaper articles regarding the choir, music for songs performed and travel logs related to trips that were organized by Mrs. Hargrett for choir members. Information is also requested regarding Mrs. Hargrett’s contributions to her church and her Sorority. Items can be scanned and emailed to [email protected].
For further information, contact Landra Robeson at 407-245-1511.
Do I have to make a rvsp to attend the birthday celebration for mrs. hargrett
I have been asked to be a Guest Speaker at the ceremony honoring Mrs. Hargrett by naming a street after her. I cannot express the honor I feel at being asked to speak about the one person that single-handedly changed my life from one of uncertainty, fear, confusion and loneliness to one of Dignity, Pride, Positivity, Courage and Direction that completely changed the course of my life.
I need information on the particulars of the program and ceremony as well as how long I need to prepare to speak. I am eagerly looking forward to participating in this most worthy cause, as I don’t know of anyone more deserving of such a wonderful honor as is Mama Hargrett. Please send me this information as soon as possible so I can properly prepare myself and my speech.
Thank you so much for considering me for this awesome honor.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Niblack-Kimbrough
This is AWESOME, BKESSED, Appreciated ! Dr. T. Adams, Th D Jones High Concert Chorale Alumni and Sibking of : Family members Attorney Alice Aams Hardy, Anthony T. Adams, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who served under Mrs. EDNA HARGRETT.