City of Tampa to Honor Veterans During Black History Celebration<\/p>\n
The City of Tampa Black History Committee, Inc. (COTBHC) will host the 38th Annual City of Tampa Black History Celebration next Friday, February 6, at 11 a.m. at the Tampa Convention Center (333 S. Franklin Street). The event is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s theme, \u201cHonoring Our Veterans: Celebrating 250 Years of Service and Strength,\u201d was chosen to pay homage to the United States Semiquincentennial (250th Independence Day) coming up on July 4, 2026, and to recognize the vital role service members have played in protecting our nation across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to work alongside so many City of Tampa employees who have protected our nation and now protect and uplift our community everyday as public servants,\u201d said Mayor Jane Castor. \u201cThis celebration recognizes their service, honors our veterans, and celebrates the Black history that is central to Tampa\u2019s story.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program will be emceed by Deanne King, WFLA morning traffic anchor, and will feature a musical performance by Phyllis Wong, an award-winning gospel recording artist.<\/p>\n
The keynote address will be delivered by Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp, a U.S. Navy veteran and the first woman to serve as fire chief in the department\u2019s history. Chief Tripp brings more than 30 years of experience in fire rescue services and was sworn in as chief in 2021.<\/p>\n
During the celebration, local veterans who continue to serve the Tampa community through city government and regional leadership will also be recognized.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Black History Month, we look forward to honoring all who have served and placing a spotlight on the vital contributions African Americans have made to the common good,\u201d said Katrina House, President, City of Tampa Black History Committee, Inc. \u201cTheir love of country and courage in tough situations are lessons future generations must be told.\u201d<\/p>\n
About the City of Tampa Black History Committee<\/p>\n
The City of Tampa Black History Committee, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting African American history, Tampa\u2019s cultural heritage, and academic achievement. Since 1999, the committee has awarded college and vocational scholarships to high school students in Hillsborough County.<\/p>\n