Gadsden wraps up month of black history celebrations

Gadsden County wrapped up Black History Month with a weekend full of festivities.

On Friday night the inaugural Black History Month Reception, hosted by Oscar Veneszee and Crystle May, was held at Dean Mitchell’s Marie Brooks Galler.

This year’s theme was “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leader’s Today.”

Radio personality Joe Bullard and the first lady of Florida A&M University Football, Shaia Simmons were the emcees for the event, which was filled with singing, dancing and laughter

During the reception, the following four young Gadsden County natives were honored:

Shakerria Allen: Shakerria Allen is a Gadsden County Junior/Senior at Carter Parramore Academy who is graduating a year early. This summer, she was in the county’s first Youth Initiative Work Program. Allen has already earned a certified nursing assistant certificate and looks forward to becoming a registered nurse. She plans on attending Tallahassee Community College in the fall.

Sameriyah Bradwell: Sameriyah Bradwell of Chattahoochee is a University of Central Florida sprinter who earned all-academic honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association in July. She is majoring in sport and exercise science. Bradwell recently signed deals with warehouse retailers Sam’s Club, Walmart, Body Armor, and LiquidIV to be one of the featured faces of their companies. Bradwell is currently a senior at University of Central Florida and is set to earn her bachelor's degree in May. She has maintained a 3.5 GPA while participating in the Big Sister Little Sister mentoring organization and serving as a representative on the University of Central Florida’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She also serves on the executive board as the Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Bradwell is also a proud member of Pi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Ke’Mari Cooper: Ke’Mari Cooper of Midway is one of Florida’s most popular anglers. A video of the 13-year-old went viral in 2019 when he reeled in the biggest catch of his life at 10-years-old, generating 32 million views from people worldwide. Award-winning director Ava DuVernay, who shared the clip, and The Hate You Give author Angie Thomas, remarked in her posting, “This is a book waiting to happen,” were impressed with Cooper’s fishing techniques. Cooper’s viral video also reached the desk of Bass Pro Shop founder Johnny Morris. He then invited Cooper and his fishing partner, his father Roosevelt Cooper, to the Daytona 500 and personal fishing trips. Bass Pro Shop now sponsors Ke’Mari’s likeness. Ke’Mari was featured in Bass Pro Shops 2021 Super Bowl Ad “Get Back to Nature.”

Jarvis Rittman: Jarvis Rittman of Quincy is a senior at Florida A&M University, where he majors in food science and minors in music. Jarvis is the first Gadsden Countian to become a drum major for the world-renowned Marching 100 Band. He is also a member and president of the Strikers Dance Troupe, which has performed with the biggest names in the industry, including Beyonce’ Janelle Monae, The Alvin Alley Dance Company, and every major network and dance show in the country such as “America’s Best Dance Crew,” “The New Edition Movie,” and “The Quad.” As a member of the Marching “100,” Jarvis has served as the 2018-2019 brass leader, the 2019-2020 assistant section leader, the 2020-2021 line captain, and he made Gadsden County history when he became a 2021-2022 drum major. Staying true to his Quincy roots, Jarvis plays drums for St. John A.M.E Church and plays the piano and drums for Second Elizabeth M.B. Church.

Allen, Cooper, and Rittman, joined by their family, were presented with proclamations and gift cards.

Bradwell, who had a track meet that night, was unable to attend the reception in-person, however, she was able to give a heartfelt thanks via FaceTime.

The county also featured the four on an LED display at the Gadsden County Courthouse the entire month.

On Saturday, the 42nd Annual Black History Festival and Parade drew thousands of people to Downtown Quincy.

The parade, which was from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., was filled with entertaining performances and greetings from local leaders.

The festival and parade theme was “Black Health & Wellness.”

In line with the theme, Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley and Dr. Alma B. Littles served as the parade’s grand marshals.

Many waited in anticipation for the grand finale by Florida A&M’s Marching 100, led by Rittman.

Once the parade concluded, those who were in attendance crossed over Jefferson Street and met at the Courthouse Square for the Black History Festival which lasted until 5 p.m.

The Marching 100 also performed in the Courthouse Square, which was surrounded by food trucks and various other vendors.

The Gadsden Board of County Commissioners partnered with the City of Quincy Commission and the Gadsden County Black Heritage Culture and Educational Organization to organize and host the events.

Erin Hill - erin@gadsdencountytimes.com

Gadsden wraps up month of black history celebrations

Quincy commission honors local community members in Black History Month program

Gadsden County Times Legals – 3/10

Gadsden County Times Legals - 3/10

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Gadsden wraps up month of black history celebrations

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Quincy commission honors local community members in Black History Month program

Gadsden County Times Legals – 3/10

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