On Wednesday, Feb 12th, 2020, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners welcomed the public to the 2020 Black History Month Reception. The community celebrated the contributions and positive influence of Black Americans in the Central Florida Community. The reception featured a spoken word performance, a live vocalist, awards for a youth art contest, educational messages, and keynote speaker Desmond Meade, President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC).
The reception, which took place in City Hall, began with WKMG News Anchor Bridgett Ellison, giving the opening remarks for the ceremony. Shortly thereafter, Meade graced the podium with a powerful message for the audience. Meade spoke on the importance of equality and justice in America—mentioning the fact that discrimination still goes on this day, and how change can start right here within our local communities. “The world says they want people to bring them change and make it happen, we are the chosen people to do so,” said Meade. Since being in office, Meade led the FRRC to a historic victory in 2018 with the successful passage of Amendment 4—a citizen’s initiative to restore voting rights to an estimated 1.4 million Floridians with prior felony convictions. As his speech came to a close, there was a moment of silence. The FRRC president shared that when he started this position, there were six words that he would always live by. Those words are “with liberty and justice for all,” Meade said as he walked off the stage to a standing ovation.
Followed by that was the youth art contest. The art contest was only for students K through 12, and this year’s theme was ‘African Americans and the vote.’ Over 170 students submitted their artwork encouraging citizens to go out and vote. There were only three winners: third place received $50, second place received $75, and the first-place winner received $100. Up next was Shawn Welcome, a local poet and graduate of University of Central Florida. Welcome performed spoken word that described the trials and tribulations of his ancestors. Welcome has also been actively involved in the community. From the years 2006-2008 he worked at 33rdSt. Jail, facilitating a poetry and life skills program. Since then, Welcome was selected by the City of Orlando Mayor to be on Orlando’s first Poet Laureate Selection Committee.
Another black positive influence from the night was singer/songwriter Olyvya Kelly. Kelly moved to Florida at a very young age, and eventually went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Music from Florida Memorial University. Taking every opportunity that came her way, Kelly has performed with many prestigious vocal groups. The New York City native even had the chance to perform for Rev. Jesse Jackson and former President Barack Obama. For the reception, however, Kelly performed a version of the song Lift Every Voice and Sing. “I’ve actually never heard ‘Life Every Voice and Sing’ live before and oh my gosh I felt like I was in church. Having her sing and hearing everybody join in just sent chills down my spine. It was really moving,” said attendee Lorena Ferreira.
The Black History Month Reception is held every year in February. So if you missed out this year be sure to attend the next one and visit Orlando.Gov for more event dates.
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