BY LOUIS C. WARD
EUSTIS – More than 300 people attended the annual Eustis African American Heritage Celebration Committee Gala (EAACC), which recognized indigenous Eustis achievers who have made a positive impact on their community, Friday evening, February 16, 2024.
The lively and colorful event with people “dressed to impress” attracted pubic officials, community leaders, and former Eustis residents who presently reside as far away as Texas, Syracuse, New York, and Chicago.
“It was a family reunion,” said Carla Mitchell, President of the EAAHCC, who was very impressed with the large turnout of people, most, she said, “I knew when they were just young kids growing up in Eustis.
“It was a home coming and we look forward to the camaraderie and seeing those Eustis residents who have become successful and prospered returning to be with us every year,” Carla Mitchell continued
“We Shine When We Come Together as a Community” was the theme of the memorable event, which honored twelve individuals, who were born and raised in Eustis. The EAAHCC has been producing the annual community event for at least thirty years, said Carla Mitchell. It was held at the Eustis High School’s 9th Grade Curtright Center.
Awardees were Wesley Green for Sports; Sheree Allen for Nursing; Angela Harris for Secondary Education; Martha Hill for Early Childhood Education; Lt. Col. Robert Harris (retired) for Military; Maurice Hayes for Mortuary Science; Garland Williams for Logistics; Lucille McClain for Spiritual Advisor; Clarence Bivins for Spiritual Advisor; Linda Monroe for Business Owner; Alana Seward for Outstanding Youth; and LaShawn Williams for Outstanding Youth.
Every year Dr. Genester Wilson King, MD makes provisions for ten kids who complete etiquette training to attend this important occasion, where they can show off their skills when dinner is served.
