This weekend, the Plant City community will come together to honor African American art, culture, and history at the 23rd Annual Black Heritage Gala, Youth Summit, and Jazz Fest, hosted by Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. With this year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemoration,” attendees can expect a weekend of reflection, recognition, and celebration that honors the past while inspiring the future.
Since its founding, the mission of Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. (PCBH) has been clear: to offer the community of Plant City a unique blend of African American art, culture, and history while celebrating those who continue to carry the torch in the search for equality and justice. “PCBH exists to support the culturally rich, diverse community in Plant City by ensuring all events are inclusive of its entire people locally, as well as nationally, noble men and women who had a vision for a better world, and because of their vision, today, we enjoy the benefits of their unselfish and courageous acts,” the organization said.
In addition to cultural celebrations, the organization sponsors a summer reading program, provides monthly meals to the homeless, supports Santa Sled programs providing toys, food, and bikes to families, awards scholarships to deserving high school students, and supplies meals to Durant High School girls’ basketball team.
The Black Heritage Gala, which began in 2003 under the leadership of Sharon Moody, was inspired by the need to celebrate, preserve, and highlight the rich yet often underrepresented African American culture, contributions, and history within Plant City. From its humble beginnings, the event has grown significantly. “When we first started out, we had only 50 people to attend the Banquet/Gala in 2003. Now our attendance has grown to 350-400,” Moody shared.
This year’s celebration marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Negro History Week by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The Centennial milestone makes the 2026 events especially meaningful, with a focus on a “Century of Commemorations,” tracing the evolution from a single week of recognition to a nationwide, month-long, and global celebration of Black history.
The weekend kicks off with the Black Heritage Gala on February 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Trinkle Center. Attendees will be treated to keynote remarks by former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ian Beckles, with Maurice “Mo” Billington of 102.5 The Bone serving as Master of Ceremonies. Local talent will also take center stage, including the national anthem performed by Bruno Kazenas and a liturgical dance by Kiera Kurns. Mayor Nate Kilton will offer greetings to attendees, further solidifying the event’s strong community roots.
A series of awards will honor individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to the Plant City community and beyond. Heritage Awards will be presented to Edith Crump Langston and Rosetta Crump Smith, while the Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Captain Alfred Van Duyne. Community Service Award recipient Kimberly Kitchen, Cornerstone Award recipient Shekinah Glory Cathedral Church, Humanitarian Award recipient Joyce Jordan Hooke, and the inaugural Volunteer of the Year, Sue Vigliarolo, will also be recognized.
On February 14 at 8:30 a.m., the Youth Summit will take place at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, providing an opportunity for young people to engage with community leaders, explore their cultural heritage, and learn about the historical struggles and triumphs of African Americans.
The weekend concludes with the Jazz Fest at the Train Depot (102 N. Palmer Street) from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m., promising lively performances, local food, and a festive atmosphere that celebrates both the arts and community togetherness.
“Black History Celebration reminds African Americans of our strength, endurance, and unwavering faith, and reconnects us to the heroes of our past,” Moody highlighted.
“The Arts move humanity forward by supporting artists, can boost the economy, help communities thrive, and shape the minds of the future,” said Moody.
Black History is not only a reflection of the past; it is a living, breathing part of global history that illuminates the achievements, experiences, and contributions of African Americans. “Black History is a significant aspect of world history that highlights the experiences, achievements, and contributions of people. It is a crucial element in understanding the diverse cultural heritage that has shaped the world as we know it today,” PCBH emphasized.
Celebrating Black History Month does more than promote diversity—it actively embraces it. For nearly a quarter-century, Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. has been a beacon of culture, unity, and education. This weekend promises to be no exception, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the next generation in a spirited, inclusive, and unforgettable series of events.
Title Sponsor: Rooms To Go Foundation
Presenting Sponsor: Publix Charities
Other Sponsors: City of Plant City, Midflorida Credit Union, Stingray Chevrolet, South Florida, Baptist Hospital, Wish Farms, Florida Strawberry Festival, Felton’s Meat and Produce, Amscot, Solution Source, Propane Ninja, Southstate Bank, Fazoli’s Plant City
Youth Summit Sponsors: Mayor Nate Kilton, Vice Mayor Jason Jones, Pat and Darcey Stottlemeyer Foundation
Partners: Tampa Black Heritage Festival, Hope Lutheran Church, Feeding Tampa Bay, Plant City, United Food Bank, Kiwanis Club of Plant City, Winn Dixie, Unity In The Community, Hillsborough Community College Plant City Campus, InKind, Hungry Howies Plant City, Pepin Distributing
