Highlands County, Florida Events
We celebrate African American heritage for all generations, organizing and capturing events that blend the traditional with the modern. We support local projects, offer educational and awareness seminars, promote health and wellness, personal development, and educational workshops that enhance communication and encourage cultural acceptance and enculturation. We invite you to discover more about our events and exhibits or become involved.
Avon Park, Florida
Founded in 1826
The city is home to Highlands County's first and only "Permanent African American Cultural Exhibit" The exhibit is located in the Avon Park Depot Museum.
Sebring, Florida
Founded in 1912
The city is home to the oldest African American Church, the First Missionary Baptist Church. Established in 1913, it
received Historical Registry in 1943.
What's Happening Now: Planning for Juneteenth 2025 and Black History Month 2026.
Lake Placid, Florida
Chartered in 1925
The city is home to Highlands County's largest African American Veterans Memorial. Located on US 27 S.
Ways to Contribute and Celebrate
Black and African American History is American History
Purposeful and well-coordinated events reflect on and amplify achievements, views, social influences, concerns, and aspirations.
Below are just a few ideas you and/or your community might
organize or find interest in supporting someone else's or organization's event(s).
All Things, Large and Small
Ideas are just thoughts, but now it's time to transition to a vision, and finally action. Elevate your event planning. Create sub-themes and planned events and programs around the National Theme established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Each weekly event (during February) and year-round activities can then be designed to support themed goals.
Arts, Crafts and Literature
Seek out local musical performances. Include Choirs, student jazz ensembles, spoken word. Ask for community performers. Contact DJs for music genres, authors and crafts persons. Include HBCU alumni or "Devine Nine" organizations
Health and Wellness
Create a Health and Wellness mini expo. Host a panel on maternal and family health. Seek out health professionals who can speak specifically to the concerns of African American health and strategic health initiatives.
Youth Activities and Education
Include youth in decision making. Develop technology driven experiences, interactive displays, Photo Booths, art showings and oratorical panels and competitions. Digital creator challenges and displays (3–5 minute mini-docs or poetry.
Year-Round Activities
Highlight African American culture during other American holidays (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Women's History Month, Memorial Day, Florida Emancipation, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Christmas, Kwanzaa, etc.
Exhibitions (Current, Future, & Past)
Legacies of strength of character tell the story of people determined to overcome hardships, disasters and other setbacks, to heights of triumph and spectacular achievements – past, present, and future. Our exhibits tell the African American Experiences through words, photographs, artifacts, and activities for children of all ages. We constantly update this page, so check back throughout the year. Current Events are Blue (*). Future Events are Red (**). Past Events are Gold. Select an event's photo to learn more.
** 2026 African American Culture Exhibition
Sebring, Florida - A Century of Black History Commemorations - "Sankofa"
Curated and sponsored by a consortium of businesses and citizenry, the 2026, A Century of Black History Commemorations – "SANKOFA" will be an interactive, visual and oral exhibit, showcasing the principles of Sankofa.
Sankofa translates to, “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Today, it is more simply interpreted as “go back and get it,” encouraging us to learn from the past to build stronger futures. (ASALH)
Planned exhibits include artisan displays, family portraits, children's activities, city histories, health and wellness presentations, musical performances, oral histories and student scholarly competitions.
2025 African American Culture Exhibition
Sebring, Florida - “African Americans and Labor – Cornerstones and Pillars”
Curated by Junctions, the 2025 Lakeshore Mall exhibit, showcased visual and oral collections highlighting national, Highlands County’s past and present African American entrepreneurs, labor contributors, and supporters.
Exhibit features included Guest Speakers, Entrepreneur and Labor Photographic Profiles, Literature and Artisan Displays, Oral History Video and more. The exhibit was intentional in encouraging broad reflections on intersections between African American’s work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments. (ASALH)
2024 NAACP Freedom Fund Gala
Sebring, Florida - “Rise Above” - Highlands County Florida, NAACP Branch
The Chapter hosted its 13th year event, in 2024. The annual event supports the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, to ensure political, educational, social and economic equality rights for all people.
“’Rise Above’ means advocating for those whose voices have been silenced,” Worrell said. “.... speaking out when it is dangerous or unpopular. We must ‘rise above’ the belief that this is just how things are, and justice is just out of reach.” (HSN, 2024)
NAACP President Angle Wiggins secured Monique Worrell, Esq. as the guest speaker. Local educator and graduation coach Cynthia Barrett served as the mistress of ceremonies. (HSN, 2024).
2024 Sebring, Florida Pioneer Daze Exhibit
Sebring, Florida - School for the Colored - "E.O. Douglas School"
On September 19, 1927, dedication services were held in the school's auditorium and the Negro school was named, E. O. Douglas, after Mr. E. O. Douglas, a former school trustee and one-time president of the First National Bank of Sebring. The 1941 - 1942 school year was the first year a high school for Negro children was available in Highlands County. E. O. Douglas now included grades 1 - 12.
This exhibit also included video footage of the 2012 School Marker Dedication Ceremony.
2024 African American Culture Exhibit
Sebring, Florida - African Americans and the Arts – "Visual Reflections - Preserving History and Community”
Curated by Junctions, the 2024 Lakeshore Mall exhibit featured artifacts, artwork and clothing presentations, literature from African Americans. The exhibit showcased the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans. (ASALH)
2019 Rev. Laura M. White
Scholarship Gala
Sebring, Florida - Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Hosted by the "Women of Purpose"
Honoring Rev. Dr. Laura M. White's commitment to education and inclusiveness. The event held at the Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel, recognized citizens from area who've played an important role in the furthering of educational opportunities for students and providing outstanding community leadership.
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