Black History Month began as a way of remembering important people and events in the African communities across the world. The United States observes this month during February each year, and Winter Haven is building upon an annual tradition by bringing the remembrance close to home.

2021 saw the cancelling of key Black History Month events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This spurred conversations amongst City staff about another way to commemorate this important celebration. An idea rose to the surface – line the parade route with banners honoring black heroes.

Bringing the Tradition Home

The original banners showcased national heroes from black history such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Aretha Franklin, but Winter Haven has a rich history of local black heroes who have made a marked impact in the local community. In 2021, a committee was formed to identify and honor local black heroes. The community submitted nominations to the group of community leaders who made up the committee, and four outstanding honorees were selected. These local heroes each blazed new trails while demonstrating passion, dedication, and empathy or compassion for the community. This Black History Month, we're honoring four local Black heroes by displaying their banners near the water fountain in Central Park. The heroes from last year can be found at the corners of Central Park, while the banners of the 2023 local heroes are placed along Central Avenue.

2025 Local Black Heroes

Rev. Joel Elvin Atkins was a devoted pastor, civil rights leader, and advocate for equality who spent over 40 years guiding his congregation at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and playing a pivotal role in desegregating schools, businesses, and public spaces in Winter Haven.

Officer Carol Bradley made history as Winter Haven’s first African American female Community Service Officer and dedicated 35 years to law enforcement, serving as a mentor, School Resource Officer, and advocate for the homeless while bridging the gap between the police and the community.

Dr. Jessie Owens, founder of the Dr. J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts and the Sankofa Chorale, has dedicated her life to music education, mentoring young artists, and preserving African American musical heritage, earning recognition as a leader in the arts and an inductee into the Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame.

Patricia A. Salary, a dedicated educator, counselor, and community leader, has spent over 40 years serving and uplifting Winter Haven through her work in education, guidance counseling, and volunteerism, leaving a lasting impact on students and families.

Honoring our Heroes

The City of Winter Haven invites our full community to follow along throughout February as we share the stories of our four honorees. Each week of the month of February has been dedicated to one of the 2025 Local Heroes by way of proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Winter Haven. We look forward to sharing more of each of the heroes’ stories each week. 

Continuing the Tradition

Looking forward to 2026, the City of Winter Haven plans to continue this tradition, honoring four additional black heroes each year. One day, the parade route will be fully lined with local black heroes as the community celebrates the positive impact they’ve had right here at home.