By Teresa Jacobs – Guest Columnist
One of the reasons my husband Bruce and I chose to raise our four children in Orange County is the rich diversity of people and cultures present in our community, as well as the unity we share in this beautiful region that we call home.
In addition to being a world famous tourism destination, we are home to a mix of diverse neighborhoods and residents, resulting in a blend of citizens and culture that truly makes us the best place in the world to live, learn, work, and raise a family.
Last month, I joined residents and Orange County employees in commemorating the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at several inspiring community events. Our month-long celebration kicked off in downtown Orlando at the Southwest Orlando Jaycees Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. I also joined the Town of Eatonville, the City of Ocoee, and the City of Apopka for their parades to honor and remember Dr. King’s powerful message of equal rights and dignity for all.
For the fourth year, I spoke at the Annual “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, which honors the legacy of Arthur Kennedy, Orlando’s first African-American, elected city official. He was elected to the Orlando City Council in 1972 and served until 1980. Mr. Kennedy passed away in March 2000, but his name and legacy will endure for generations to come.
I was privileged to speak once again at Eatonville’s Zora! Festival. This year marked 25 years of celebrating the life and work of writer, folklorist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston. Orange County’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Council has been a financial supporter of the Zora Festival for a number of years. This year, Orange County provided administrative and technological support, helping to make the festival a great success.
And just last week, I spoke at Orange County’s Annual Black History Month Celebration Luncheon, which takes place annually on the lawn of the Orange County Administration Center. Coordinated by the Black History Committee of Orange County, my staff, our wonderful employees, and citizens gathered together to enjoy a lovely afternoon of delicious food and music. Our Board of County Commissioners proudly presented the committee with a proclamation in observance of Black History Month on January 28.
Additionally, I provided remarks at the ceremony for Ted Hollins’ “A Pictorial View of Change” art exhibit in early February. The art exhibit featured Hollins’ extraordinary photography, documenting many key and poignant moments in black history. His art remains displayed in the atrium of the Orange County Administration Center. I was honored to also host the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) 12th Annual Mayor’s Black History Month Luncheon at Church Street Ballroom last week. I encourage all of us to rededicate ourselves to making sure that all of the young people in our lives, and within our extended reach, are provided opportunities to reach their goals and dreams.
To wrap-up Black History Month, I attended the Black History Month Celebration Gala at the Rosen Centre Hotel. The Gala’s theme was “The Gift of Life: Organ Donation,” featuring keynote speaker Dr. Velma Scantleberry-White, the first African-American female transplant surgeon in the United States.
Black History Month is a time for us to honor and remember the many contributions that African-Americans have made towards building Orange County and this great country. I wish to thank our citizens for joining me in this year’s commemorative events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As always, I thank you for your continued support and for staying connected with your government.
Sincerely,
Teresa Jacobs
Orange County Mayor
Oh, oh she is on a roll
Don’t believe the hot air.