Black Music Month was initiated by songwriter and record producer, Kenny Gamble and in 1979 President Jimmy Carter designated June as Black Music Month and it is still celebrated annually.
African-American music is rich, innovating and a treasured part of the nation’s cultural heritage. You are invited to tune in and celebrate gospel music, which has directly impacted other forms of music. Featured artists this month, James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Bobby Jones, Aretha Franklin, the Mississippi Mass Choir, the Barnes Family, Kirk Franklin, the Caravans, Andre Crouch, the Hawkins Family and others.
The “Rejoice” Broadcast airs Sundays, 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. over WSDO 1400-AM Radio, hosted by Sheralyn J. Brinson.
• The Caribbean American Association of Lake County is celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month with a Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival on Saturday, June 23 at the Family Christian Center, 2500 Highway 27 S. (across from Clermont Mall) from noon to 9 p.m.
There will be entertainment for the whole family including live reggae band, gospel, soul, jazz, country, Latin, calypso, steel band, marching band, expressive dance, Kid’s Zone, food and product vendors, health screenings, jerk cook-off competition, and more.
Cost is $2 per person.
To be a vendor and for additional information call 352-978-0813 or visit www.caalc.candowebsite.com.
• First Shiloh M.B. Church, 700 Elm Ave., announces a Men’s Day Event, “50 or More Men in Concert”, to be held Saturday, June 16 at 6 p.m.
All men are invited to join this men’s choir. Rehearsal dates are June 1; 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. at First Shiloh; Minister of Music for the Concert, Minister Vincent Smith.
The concert is free and open to the public; everyone is invited to attend. For questions contact Rev. Michael Courtney, 407-272-3330; Dr. Harry D. Rucker, Sr., Pastor.
• Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett visited with students at Pine Crest Elementary School before the 2012 school year ended. Shown with William Tillman, Jr. and his class.
The mayor talked with the children and they were overjoyed to meet him. The mayor also visited the 5th grade class of Jason Bass and the Student Council, under Lisa Kendall.
The Principal at Pine Crest is Dr. Dianne Lebruto; Assistant Principal, Daniel Windish.
• Up and Coming Activities - Award-Winning Program Returns to Sanford. Central Florida CDF Freedom School is back for it’s 8th year.
There will be four levels of classes and many activities for children, ages 6-17. Other than a $25 registration fee, the program is offered at no cost to families, and will run from June 18-July 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
Freedom School offers an award-wining integrated reading curriculum and opportunities for children to experience visual and performing arts, field trips, conflict resolution, and community service. Reading scores for children who participated in last year’s program have shown on average 6 months gain in comprehension and vocabulary.
Freedom School offers an after-hours program as well. Spaces are available on first-come, first-save basis; register quickly to reserve your child’s space. Registration forms are available at Sweet Sprit from Head to Toe Boutique, 1224 W. Historic Goldsboro Blvd., (formerly W. 13th Street); 407-320-7003.
Children are sponsored by the 501(c)(3) sponsor organization, FREE TO BE ME, Inc., businesses, churches, organizations and individuals. The Program Site Coordinator is Mary Owens. For registration information or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact Dr. Gail Choice at 407-687-7185
• Bookertown Homecoming Celebration - Save the Dates, June 29 to July 1.
The Bookertown Community is sponsoring a Homecoming Reunion, “Remembering Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Reaching for the Future”. If you are the direct descendant of a parent, grandparent, great grandparent, etc., who resided in Bookertown at any time, the event is free to you.
Please come and represent your family; provide the name of your predecessor or the lineage you are from. All you need to do is come; you may meet relatives you didn’t know you had.
If you have no family ties to a Booketown resident, you may participate in the activities, but there will be a cost for your meals; meals are $10 per person per day for non-Bookertown family persons; all you can eat; or $25.00 per person for the 3 days. Reduced meal rates are available for children.
Activities include, June 29, kick-off at 4 p.m. with a fish fry; June 30, 10 a.m., parade and picnic in the park at 12N; July 1 at 11 a.m., worship service at Providence M.B. Church, with dinner following the service. Except for the worship service, events will be held at the Bookertown School Building, 4631 Gilbert Street, Lake Monroe.
For more information, contact Gloria Scott Cummings, 407-323-1982; Carlton Edge, 407-330-7483; or Darien Oliver, 407-221-8107. Looking to see you at the celebration in Lake Monroe, affectionately known as Bookertown.
• The Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Class of 2012 announce that Brittany Nicole Artis graduated Tuesday, May 29 with a degree, majoring in English.
Brittany is the granddaughter of Thelma Mike, of Sanford, and the daughter of Sherman and Joyce Nathan Artis of Lenoir City, Tenn. Family and friends journeyed to Annapolis, Md. for the graduation exercise. Congratulations
Ensign Brittany Nicole Artis, USN. She plans to continue her career in the Navy.