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West Palm Beach names Black History Month honorees, recognizes 2-1-1 and Junior League
Summary
At its Feb. 2 meeting, the West Palm Beach City Commission proclaimed 2-1-1 Awareness Week and Junior League Month and honored multiple Black History Month honorees including Danita Dehaney and Virginia C. Baker. Recipients described ongoing community projects such as an African American history museum.
The West Palm Beach City Commission used its Feb. 2 meeting to issue several proclamations and honor local leaders as part of Black History Month.
Mayor Keith A. James proclaimed February 2026 as 2-1-1 Awareness Week, recognizing 2-1-1 Palm Beach & Treasure Coast for crisis and referral services that connect residents to housing, mental‑health and utility assistance. Ty Barnes, president and CEO of 2‑1‑1 Palm Beach & Treasure Coast, told the commission the local helpline responded to nearly 50,000 calls last year and delivered about 85,000 referrals, and that the combined calls and online contacts approached 225,000.
The commission also proclaimed February 2026 as Junior League of the Palm Beaches Month, marking the organization’s 85 years of volunteer service. Mayor James and commissioners recognized the league’s role in local civic projects and institutions.
As part of Black History Month observances, the commission presented heritage honors to community leaders. Mayor James named Danita Dehaney a 2026 heritage honoree and noted her leadership on an African American Museum and Research Library; Dehaney said her goal is "to ensure that this museum finishes on time, under budget, but most importantly, celebrates the life, the contributions, the culture of African Americans in West Palm Beach, the state of Florida, and beyond." Commissioner Shalanda Warren honored Virginia C. Baker for nearly four decades of county service, citing roles that included serving as Palm Beach County administrator and helping recruit major institutions to the region.
Other honorees recognized by individual commissioners included Shanitria Moore, James T. Waldron III and Clarence D. Williams III for long‑standing community leadership and public service.
The ceremony drew commissioners and residents, and the commission moved on to regular agenda business after offering congratulations to the recipients.
