A Celebration of SWFL Black Culture

In 1926, an acknowledgment of black culture began which would morph into what we know today as Black History Month. As part of a centennial celebration, the Lee County Black Historical Society hosted its annual gathering with the hope of connecting generations and inspiring pride. WGCU’s Bryant Monteilh has more. We're here at the DoubleTree Hotel in Fort Myers, and this is where the Lee County Black History Society celebrated their 25th annual Prayer Breakfast, all in celebration of Black History Month here in Southwest Florida. It was more than 250 people packed the banquet hall of the Devil Tree in Fort Myers to commemorate the 100th anniversary of honoring Black achievement and excellence nationally. First established by Doctor Carter G. Woodson. Right now, I'm gonna give you praise. I give you glory. Continue to look on our city of Fort Myers, our community in Dunbar. The gathering also celebrated the Lee County Black History Society's 25th annual prayer breakfast. Here's the keynote speaker, Fort Myers Fire Chief Tracy McMillian. I believe when we celebrate black history, we're giving our testimonies of what we've been through, what we've overcome, that most positive achievers that we have done. You know, like chef, you don't eat anything if it ain't got that's way a tribute from a younger generation known as Legacy in Motion performed a special skit highlighting the history of the past, the Harlem Renaissance period. And along with the recognition and awards, there were the Fire Cats, pop Warner football team who won the national championship last football season. Fort Myers native Tosha Battle talked about the importance of Black History Month and what it means to her. Don't give up, don't give up. Keep fighting and keep believing in what you believe in and and go from the roots of the things that we were taught. Black history is American history. So people should appreciate that if they want to make sure that we appreciate that we are all Americans, then we should be treated as Americans and not, disparage, in such a negative way. Because if we all work together, we can all do better together. I thought it was amazing and I had a great time. And her brother Elias, who shared some of the words of Marcus Garvey when he also performed on stage, and my kids got this where they got a couple of blacks. We got them up in palaces and felt like Charles Barnes, as the board chairman of the Lee County Black History Society. One of the things that the speakers spoke about with that that was wonderful, was that he connected a history with, in spite of what we went through as a people, we accomplish great things. Janis Cass, founder of The society, reflects on how far the organization has come and the need to keep growing. When I think about where we came from and how we started with the handful of people I, am really pleased that the community is supporting us, that there are large groups of people who come out on an annual basis to help us celebrate and commemorate black history Month, and to do the work that we need to do within our community and in the current climate that we live in, with laws that are being made to, suppress and, restrict any recognition or emphasis on black achievements and accomplishments. It is even more important than ever that we continue what we're doing. I love a celebration of a legacy of history, achievement, and the importance of community coming together to make a difference for generations to come. For WGCU news, I'm Bryant Monteilh.