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Winter Haven issues Black History Month proclamations, honors local heroes and Black Market festival
Summary
The Winter Haven City Commission presented proclamations recognizing local Black history honorees Reverend Joel Elvin Atkins and retired officer Carol Bradley and commended the Black Market, a melanin Cultural Festival. Organizers said the festival will be Feb. 1 at Lake Silver.
The Winter Haven City Commission on Jan. 27 issued proclamations recognizing local Black History Month honorees and promoting a community festival.
The city presented proclamations recognizing Reverend Joel Elvin Atkins (week of Feb. 3, 2025) and retired officer Carol Bradley (week of Feb. 10, 2025) for their community service and leadership, and commended the Black Market, a melanin Cultural Festival, which organizers said will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Lake Silver.
Why it matters: The proclamations are part of the city’s 2025 Black History Month program; the city said it will publish social media posts and install four banners around Central Park during February highlighting the honorees’ contributions.
Commissioner and staff remarks and family comments: During the presentation the city noted the city has for years produced a budget-and-brief and is launching a popular annual financial report to better communicate operations. A family member of Reverend Atkins thanked the city “on behalf of the Atkins family” and said the family will remain part of the community.
Organizers’ remarks: Simone Wilson, representing the Cultural Collective Society, accepted the proclamation for the Black Market and said the nonprofit’s festival “celebrates to uplift black owned businesses in our community, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and their vital contributions to our city's culture and economy.” Zania Zhao said the festival will provide a platform for youth performers and artists.
What’s next: The city said it will post materials and banners during February promoting the honorees and the festival.
