NEWTOWN REFLECTIONS CELEBRATION
Eric Bolden
To celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans in the Newtown Community, Newtown Nation decided to start the Reflections Celebration.
Citizens of Newtown gathered in Martin Luther King Jr. Park where food and clothing accessories were being sold, speeches were being said, and special plaques were being given out. It was the idea of Newtown Nation President Valerie Bushand with help of Vice President Wesley Tonstall Jr. who wanted to unite and celebrate the accomplishments of not only the people of Newtown, but colored people everywhere. She hopes to recognize all colored people, especially the dead, and get the history of the people of Newtown out in the world.
Many important figures in the community showed up like James C. Brown, who gave a rousing speech about the importance of race, especially nowadays when there is so much strife in the world, and why celebrating our history is important. The receivers of the plaques included people like Mother Duprey who received it thanks to her husband, Jerome Duprey’s accomplishments of starting the Sarasota Market. Then there were the living family members of John Henry “Cann” Major, who was a pioneer for the community with his grocery stores. Finally, the last receivers were our owner, Johnny Hunter, whose newspaper allowed thousands to constantly keep in touch with the going-ons of the cities of Sarasota and Manatee. He’s the only living receiver of the plaque. There are plans to give more plaques throughout the years.
The celebration is now planned to be held every third Saturday of every month. In today’s world, being able to see the good in colored people and their accomplishments is important, especially for the younger generation. For everyone first hearing about this and are interested in attending, Valerie Buchand has a message for you:
“To all of you out there, the third Saturday of February, of every month, come out to the park. Let us enjoy each other. Let us celebrate where we have already come, because we can accomplish much if we do it together.”
So, if you’re interested, be sure to free up your schedules on the 20th of February for the next Reflections celebration!
