There are several activities planned for the next few weeks as local residents celebrate February as Black History Month.

African art exhibit at Kissimmee City Hall

The city of Kissimmee during February has an African art display featuring pieces from the private collection of Kissimmee native Russell L. Anderson. The display is in the lobby of Kissimmee City Hall.

Anderson has traveled to 38 countries and 46 of the 50 Unites States, affording him the opportunity to amass an extensive African and African American collection of art and artifacts, city officials stated in a press release.

The works of art depict African ancestry and modern day people, ranging from warriors, a mother with child, diamond miners and a Roman Palace Guard to present day images of fathers with sons, Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama.

There is a story to explain why each artifact and image was created.

City Hall is at 101 N. Church Street in downtown Kissimmee.

Historical Society monthly talk

The Osceola County Historical Society’s Saturday, Feb. 20 History Talks topic will be “Attributes of Black Religion in the Americas: Shaping an Identity.”

Guest speaker Karen Conn, of Valencia Community College, will speak about religion in the African American community and how the church has played a significant role in shaping the community and its people. Conn also will trace the black community’s origins in the Americas to its presence in Osceola County and its connection to some of the county’s legendary residents. such as rancher Lawrence Silas, who laid a cornerstone of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kissimmee.

A member of the Central Florida community for more than 25 years, Conn teaches African American humanities at Valencia. She is a graduate of Rollins College, and is currently engaged in terminal studies at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on the evolution of black religion in Mississippi, the United States and Bahia, Brazil.

The talk will begin at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 ($5 for society members). Due to limited seating, advance reservations are suggested by calling 407-396-8644. Admission includes the Pioneer Village and museum exhibits, including the permanent exhibit entitled “African Americans in Osceola County.”

The Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Village is at 750 N. Bass Road, Kissimmee.


Arts Center celebrating black artists

The Osceola Center for the Arts held its February art opening Feb. 2, with a theme of “Celebrating Black Artists & Culture.”

The juried art show presents artwork by Central Florida artists of all backgrounds. Director of Visual Arts Jules Davidson judged the show, which showcases the work of 10 artists, including two works created by Al Black.

Orlando artist Andrew M. Grant won first place with a charcoal drawing called “Kaydean.”

Second place went to Seth Novak and Kissimmee resident Priscilla Jenkins won third place. Each of the winners received gift certificates to participate in the center’s annual juried show in May.

The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 24 and is free and open to the public.

The center is just east of the Florida’s Turnpike exit 244 on U.S. Highway 192 between Kissimmee and St. Cloud.

Call 407-846-6257 or visit www.ocfta.com for more information.


St. Cloud’s Community Unity set for Feb. 27

The city of St. Cloud Parks and Recreation staff will commemorate Black History Month during the fifth annual Community Unity luncheon from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, in the St. Cloud Civic Center, 3001 17th St.

The purpose of Community Unity is to celebrate Black History Month, recognize the achievements and culture of African-Americans, and increase the cultural awareness of all St. Cloud residents and neighbors, city officials stated in a press release.

This year’s event will include a complimentary lunch, entertainment and guest speakers.