In 2003, Sharon Moody led a group of local citizens to start the Plant City Black Heritage (PCBH) Celebration. The vision of this non-profit organization is to serve as a platform to celebrate the city’s rich African-American culture, talents, and arts in the community. In addition, PCBH has the mission to celebrate those who have, and still are, carrying the torch of equality and justice. As a part of highlighting Black History Month, Friday saw the 22nd Annual Black Heritage Gala. More than 250 people came to the event in the Trinkle Center on the Hillsborough Community College campus. Guests, including the Plant City Commissioners, Fire Rescue Chief Sidlauskas, and Plant City Police Department Chief Mills, came to memorialize African-Americans and Labor—the theme of the night.
“I think it is very important that we come together as a people—all people—and share a gala of happiness and love of Plant City,” Charles Coffee Sr. said. “This is a great place to have grown up in, and I would not have wanted to grow up in any other place than Plant City.”
Dean Pfeffer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, gave the invocation, “On this night, Oh God, grant that your Holy, and life-giving Spirit may remove in every human heart the barriers which divide your people, let suspicions disappear, and hatred cease. Lord, you created all people in Your image, and Your Word tell us that you show no partiality or favoritism…you have blessed our nation with an astonishing variety of races and cultures, and call us to embrace our diversity as peoples….that we are all equal in your eyes, and strive to include each other in furthering the work you have given us as citizens of this community and our nation….”
The Strawberry Crest High School Junior ROTC presented the flag and the assembly stood and sang the National Anthem. The program followed with Mayor Nate Kilton offering greetings from the City of Plant City, a liturgical dance by four young ladies, dinner, a keynote speaker, and a presentation of awards.
“I thought tonight was a really great event,” keynote speaker Moka Brown, said. “I met a bunch of really interesting business people. The food and all of the speakers were great.”
The event honored several people who have contributed to the well-being of Plant City.
Marion F. Cole, the Heritage Award recipient, retired from Hillsborough Community College after serving more than 33 years in education. PCBH gave the award to Cole in light of her “….outstanding leadership with organizations, boards, and community activities….Her life experiences as a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and Christian have demonstrated her compassion, drive, ethical nature, and service to mankind….”
Timothy Lovett was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lovett graduated from Plant City High School and served on the PCPD for three years, then with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), where he became a detective, and took part in several federal task forces. After retiring, he joined the Florida Strawberry Festival team, where he now serves as Vice-President of Operations.
The Community Service Award recipient was Karen S. Griggsby. She is past president of the GWFC Woman’s Club, and is Chair of Public Relations, and the Civic Engagement & Outreach Community Service Program. She is current Secretary of the Toastmaster’s Club. For Plant City Entertainment, Inc., she serves on the Board of Managers, is the Community Liaison, and Chairman of the Membership Committee. For Plant City Main Street, Griggsby serves on the Programs Committee. She is the church administrator for Crossroads by Faith Church. Griggsby volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 11 years, and also volunteered for years as an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. It is apparent why Griggsby says she works “harder as a volunteer than she ever did working in corporate America.”
PCBH honored Dodie White with its Humanitarian Award. Born and raised in Plant City, White has served on the Arts Council of Plant City’s Board for more than 30 years, including stints as president and treasurer. She considers community service the “right thing to do.” She sat on the Board of Managers for Plant City Entertainment, Inc. from 1989 to 2017. In addition, she serves on the Board of United Food Bank of Plant City, is Chairman of the City of Plant City Library Board, and is a past President of Board for the Plant City Christmas Parade, Inc. In prior years, White served on the boards of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, American Business Women’s Club, Junior Woman’s Club, Lioness Club, and the American Cancer Society. She has attended the First United Methodist Church of Plant City for many years and has served in the past on the Board of Trustees. White allows God to be in control of her life, which she also considers the “right thing to do.”
Marsha Passmore received a Humanitarian Award. Passmore serves on the board of Unity in the Community, including past Chairman for three years. She is also past president and current board member of the United Food Bank. Passmore is on the City of Plant City’s Historic Resources Board, and Vice-President of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, Co-Chairman of the Strawberry Festival Queen Exhibit, Plant City Photo Archives Trustee, President of the Plant City Christmas Parade, and President of the Arts Council of Plant City. Passmore formerly served as a City Commissioner for six years.
Mt Moriah Ministries was given the Cornerstone Award. The church’s goal is to “share the love of God with all to extend God’s grace and mercy without compromise, being devoted to prayer to give others hope in the transforming power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” This independent, non-denominational church supports churches in Haiti with food, medicine, clothing, and building materials. In addition it aids St. Peters Native Baptist Church in the Bahamas. Locally, the church works with Nativity Food Bank, Helping Hands Outreach, a local ministry to feed the homeless, and community youth groups.
“I highly enjoyed the whole show,” Retha Goff-Cooper said. “Everybody getting the awards was wonderful. I will be back.”
“It was a wonderful program that represented colossal support of different cultures, populations, strength, and community,” Dr. Joan Holmes-Mosley said. “It was really an incredible event.”