BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Where to learn

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

in Tampa Bay

by Kiva Williams, @thefunfoodiemama and thefunfoodiemama.com, photos by Miya Jones Photography

Black History Month was created to acknowledge, congratulate and celebrate the many contributions of African Americans in the United States. It is celebrated Feb. 1-28. There are many opportunities across the Bay to join in on the celebration. Here are eight activities across the Bay to learn about the contributions African Americans have made in the Tampa Bay community.

TAMPA

Walking Tour with Tampa Bay History Center Various starting points in Tampa The Tampa Bay History Center offers three unique tours centered on Black History in Tampa. Register in advance at tampabayhistorycenter.org. ● “Madame Fortune Taylor”

Learn about the newly renamed

Fortune Taylor Bridge (Feb. 5) ● “Black Wall Street”

Central Avenue West Walking

Tour (Feb. 6) ● “Harlem of the South”

Central Avenue East Walking

Tour (Feb. 26)

Downtown Tampa Running Tour Various starting points in downtown Tampa Schedule a 7K run with gorunningtours. com and discover the rich African American history of downtown Tampa! The cost ranges from $38.50 and up depending on the amount of people attending.

The Williams Family at the Central Avenue Mural

ST. PETE

Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival | 2240 9th Ave. S., St. Pete 33712 Learn the rich history of collard greens in the African American community. Enjoy workshops, shopping and food at this fun family festival that occurs one day only, Saturday Feb. 19. Full details are at tbcgf.org.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum 2240 Ninth Ave. S., St. Pete 33712 Schedule a tour with your family to learn about iconic African American leaders. Full details can be found at woodsonmuseum.org.

Museum of Fine Arts | 255 Beach Drive NE., St. Pete 33701 View the current exhibit “Explore The Vaults: Black Portraits” until Feb. 27. This exhibit shows various approaches to visualizing Black identity and experiences. Full details can be found at mfastpete.org.

The Williams Family at Perry Harvey Park

CLEARWATER/ LARGO

Pinellas County African American History Museum 110 Marshall St., Clearwater 33755 Come out and view the “Living Legends and Lives of African Americans in Entertainment” exhibit. The museum is open

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Fridays by appointment only. The exhibit runs until March 1. Full details can be found at curtismuseum.org.

Clearwater Countryside Library 2642 Sabal Springs Drive,

Clearwater 33761

On Feb. 19, join renowned orator Windell Campbell as he celebrates Black

History Month through the art of storytelling. Campbell is a professional oral storyteller who travels the state of Florida visiting libraries and participating in their reading programs. Full details can be found at myclearwaterlibrary.com.

Florida Botanical Gardens 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo 33774 The Pinellas African American Heritage Celebration is a one-day festival at the Florida Botanical Gardens on Feb. 26. Come out and learn about this talented and diverse community in Pinellas County. Full details can be found at flbgfoundation.org.

CHRISTINA ANTON GARCIA, ESQ. MARITAL & FAMILY LAW

Christina Anton Garcia is an award-winning Tampa Bay attorney with over 14 years of experience practicing exclusively Marital and Family Law. Mrs. Garcia has demonstrated professional achievement and garnered countless recognition in her industry. Along with numerous other honors, Christina has been recognized by Super Lawyers for many years and possesses a superb 10 out of 10 rating on Avvo. A fourth-generation Tampa native and active member of the community, she leverages legal knowledge and extensive experience to provide her clients with the highest level of representation. Christina is focused on the best possible outcome for her clients whether in the collaborative process, the courtroom or a mediation setting. Combining energy, conscientiousness and dedication with legal knowledge and experience, Christina Anton Garcia is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcomes in family law cases. Education: J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law; B.S. and B.A., University of Florida

106 S. Tampania Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 907-9807 TampaAttorneys.com

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