ROGERS PROJECT REUNION: CELEBRATION OF A LEGACY
The first Rogers Project Family Reunion was held on Sunday, September 22nd at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, bringing together former residents and acknowledging the elders of the village.
“We are here to celebrate the togetherness of the G.D. Rogers Project, the community and families known as our village,” said Jacqueline Lewis in the occasion.
“A village where love and respect were displayed to our elders and to our neighbors,”
she said. Rev. Jasper Jackson, pastor of St. Mary, presided over the service. The reunion message was delivered by Rev. Edward Green.
Several families were represented at the reunion which was well attended. Former residents 80 years old or older were recognized and presented with certificates. Those included Clydie Collins, Joe Grissett, Lola McKinnon, Lonnie Dixon, Lorine Brown, Juanita Hines, Dorothy Monts, Rosa Bacon, Clarence Love, Mary Rivers, Lawrence Livingston, Ida Curry, Ella Pressey, Iona Johnson and Rudolph Carter. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of descendants were in attendance, representing their family members.
The G.D. Rogers Projects, also known as Rogers Garden Park Apartments, were a significant part of Bradenton’s history. Named after Garfield DeVoe Rogers, Sr., a prominent black businessman and community leader, the housing project was built in 1953 on 13th Avenue West between First Street and Ninth Street West. It provided much needed housing for the black community but was eventually demolished. Today, the site is home to G.D. Rogers Garden Elementary School, ensuring that Rogers’ legacy continues to be honored in the community.
