Village To Host Black History Month Forum
In order to celebrate the growing diversity of the village and the unique perspective of Wellington’s Black community, the Village of Wellington will host its second annual Black History Month Leaders Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Wellington Community Center.
As February unfolds, the nation comes together to honor and celebrate Black History Month, recognizing the significant contributions of the Black community. In Wellington, the Black History Month Leaders Forum, now in its second year, is a compelling event that brings together influential leaders to share insights, experiences and visions for the future.
Wellington, having grown more diverse over the last decade, is an ideal location for events promoting inclusivity and understanding. The Black History Month Leaders Forum aims to foster dialogue, inspire change and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Black community. Special thanks go to Palm Beach County School Board Member Marcia Andrews of District 6 and Marcia Hayden, president of the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., for hosting this event in partnership with the Village of Wellington.
This year’s forum is set to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 7, featuring a diverse lineup of speakers excelling in various fields, including business, politics, arts and academia. Last year’s speakers included Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker; orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Coleman; Ricky Wade, owner of 30 McDonald’s franchises in South Florida; School District of Palm Beach County Chief Operating Officer Joseph Sanches; Teledactyl co-founder Alan Bottorff; women’s healthcare specialist Dr. Colette Brown-Graham; Brian and Cassandra Oliver, owners of KWA Group Branding; and Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker.
This year, attendees can look forward to engaging discussions led by additional influential figures who have played pivotal roles in shaping the narrative of Black history in Palm Beach County and the Wellington community. They include School District of Palm Beach County Chief Academic Officer Dr. Glenda Sheffield; Emerald Cove Middle School Principal Dr. Eugina Feaman; Palm Beach County Bar Association President Grasford Smith; Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Byron Smith; and Lamont Humber, a retired agriculture pilot for the United States Forest Service.
This year’s featured speaker is Nicole Cummings, deputy program manager for the Exploration Upper Stage RL10 Rocket Engine. Cummings also happens to be a graduate of Wellington High School. Galean Stewart, assistant news director for WPTV NewsChannel 5, will serve as moderator of the Black History Month Leaders Forum.
The forum will feature conversations addressing topics such as the significance of Black History Month, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and the role of education in promoting understanding and unity. These discussions aim to provide attendees with valuable insights and perspectives contributing to positive change in the community. Speakers will take the stage to share their personal journeys, triumphs and challenges, inspiring attendees and serving as a testament to their resilience and determination. From community leaders to business professionals, the speakers will provide a diverse array of experiences highlighting the multifaceted nature of Black excellence.
The forum will provide opportunities for community engagement, allowing attendees to connect with local leaders actively working toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society. In its second year, the Black History Month Leaders Forum is not just a one-time event but a platform to promote ongoing awareness and dialogue. Attendees will be encouraged to take the lessons learned and discussions held back to their communities, fostering a ripple effect of positive change.
The Black History Month Leaders Forum stands as a testament to the power of dialogue, education and community engagement. As we celebrate Black History Month, events like these play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and understanding society. Wellington’s commitment to hosting such forums is a step toward building bridges, fostering unity and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Black community to the fabric of our community and great hometown.
