The City of Ocoee pays tribute to Black History Month throughout the month of February. A proclamation recognizing the significance of black history was read on Tuesday, February 5 at the Ocoee City Commission meeting.
The city’s Human Relations Diversity Board will announce the winners of its 15th Annual Black History Month Essay Contest at an awards ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m., at City Hall, 150 North Lakeshore Drive. Students will recite their winning essays which address the theme “Achieving My Dream.” The awards ceremony will be televised live on Ocoee TV, Channel 493 and streamed online at http://www.ocoee.org/197/Ocoee-TV .
The essay competition is open to 5th grade students who attend Ocoee schools. The following elementary schools participated in the contest: Citrus Elementary; Hope Charter School; Maxey Elementary; Prairie Lake Elementary, Thornebrooke Elementary and Spring Lake Elementary. The overall winner will be awarded a $250 gift card from Best Buy. First place winners will receive a $50 gift card from Best Buy.
In addition, Ocoee TV is airing programs that highlight significant people and events from African-American history. The city’s 13th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade and Celebration is also airing on Spectrum Channel 493. The MLK Parade and Celebration can also be viewed on Ocoee TV’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/OcoeeTV.
Residents may visit City Hall to view biographical portraits of notable African-Americans. Motorists driving along Clarke Road will see several “Ocoee Celebrates Diversity” banners.
For more information, call 407-905-3100.