U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) will hold her annual Black History Month event on Tuesday, February 19, 10 a.m. at Middleton High School Auditorium, 4801 N. 22^nd St. Tampa, FL 33610, where she will celebrate the extraordinary contributions of four Tampa Bay leaders – former member of the Hillsborough County School Board, Doretha Edgecomb; former Florida State Rep. Betty Reed; Harold Jackson; and Dr. Juel Smith. This event is free and open to the public.

“All four of these inspiring leaders have left indelible marks on social justice and served as role models, especially in the areas of education and stewardship,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.  “Middleton High School and the entire community can learn and hear about the leadership of these extraordinary individuals.  They used their voices, talents and spirit to improve to improve the Tampa Bay community.”

U.S. Rep. Castor will enter a tribute in their honor to the Congressional Record – forever marking their legacies to a grateful nation. Last year, three local women who led national sororities and organizations were recognized: Joli Cooper-Nelson, former national president of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Carolyn House Stewart, Esq., former international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and Paulette C. Walker, former President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

For more information, you can view the flier for the event here or please call the Office of U.S. Representative Kathy Castor at 813-871-2817.

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Former honorees at U.S. Rep. Castor’s annual Black History Month event include:

2016: Thomas “Jet” Jackson, longtime St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation leader and Barbara Shorter, heralded educator and former principal of Gibbs High School.

2017: Theresa Manuel, trailblazer, educator, & Olympic Champion; Deborah Gano ,Vietnam Veteran and public servant; Alton White, a true pioneer of so many firsts at the state and local level and a member of one of Tampa’s legendary families; and Chloe Coney, who has had an extraordinary career serving Tampa’s community for more than 40 years in areas such as economic development, housing and community building, and 10 years serving our neighbors in Tampa Bay as U.S. Rep. Castor’s District Director.