This year marks the sixth year the City of Daytona Beach, in partnership with the Midtown Community Development Corporation, will celebrate Black History Month by honoring 12 individuals who shaped our community. These remarkable men and women will be featured on double-sided, custom-designed street banners displayed throughout February along International Speedway Boulevard, from Nova Road to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
- Rev. Bobby L. Bradley Jr. – A role model who overcame adversity, pursued higher education and dedicated himself to uplifting young people.
- Winona Agatha Mason Brown – A music educator who taught in the Volusia County public school system and served in the music department at Bethune-Cookman University.
- Henry T. “Jack” Christian – A “jack of all trades” who taught valuable skills to young men and stood up to discrimination through landmark legal action.
- Joel Van Fears Sr. – A U.S. Navy veteran and retired engineer who built a second career of service through education, faith leadership, scouting and community advocacy.
- Farrise Bennett Fryer – A lifelong educator and church leader who helped shape thousands of lives, strengthened youth programs and served through civic boards and long-standing engagement with NAACP.
- Joseph W. Hatchett – A trailblazing legal leader whose career expanded access to justice and representation, including historic statewide service on the Florida Supreme Court and federal judicial leadership.
- Willie Mae Huggins – A lifelong church and community servant who held leadership roles, including president of the Women’s Home Mission Society, Youth Department Director, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, toddler-class teacher and senior choir member.
- Bessie Murphy Marshall – An educator, dean and coach who championed excellence in young people while modeling leadership, discipline and pride in community.
- Louise “Mutt-t” McGill – A beloved entrepreneur and “community she-ro” whose restaurant and generosity ensured people were fed and supported.
- Robert “Pops” Lee Popwell – An internationally respected musician whose work helped define the sound of 1970s jazz, funk and R&B through collaborations.
- Levi “Lee” Sims Sr. – A visionary craftsman who transformed cemetery memorials into works of art and lived a life of generosity.
- Loretta Osgood Wright – A respected librarian and service leader who strengthened literacy, supported educators and organized community help for basic needs.
For more information, visit www.celebratingblackhistory.com.