ORLANDO – From now through April 30, the “Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida” exhibit will be on display at the Girl Scouts of Citrus Women’s History and Cultural Center. Presented by the African American Women’s History Month Project, Inc. and The Poinsette Foundation, the exhibit serves to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and resilience of African American women who have made a significant impact in Central Florida.
“Girl Scouts of Citrus Council is extremely proud to feature Legacy of Excellence at our Women’s History and Cultural Center as the Center’s inaugural sponsored special exhibit,” said Maryann J. Berry, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Citrus Council. “We are beyond grateful to The African American Women’s History Project and the Poinsette Foundation for their partnership and the honor to host this profoundly meaningful exhibit.”
The exhibit features more than 30 women from various professional fields who have shattered glass ceilings and laid the foundation for generations to come. The collection highlights their individual and collective achievements, educational backgrounds, and dedication to the Central Florida community.
“The Poinsette Foundation believes that children are the living legacy that we send to the future. Each a canvas of untold potential,” said Mia Poinsette, founder and executive director of The Poinsette Foundation. “We intend for the exhibit to inspire future generations, encouraging them to overcome challenges, instill kindness, and contribute to the diverse tapestry of human achievement.”
With a mission to empower and amplify the voices of underestimated women and children of color, The Poinsette Foundation worked to present the exhibit in collaboration with the African American Women’s History Month Project Inc. (AAWHMP) to help promote inclusivity, combat stereotypes, and foster a more accurate and complete narrative of our shared past.
“Curating this exhibit was a natural way to align our organizations’ missions to celebrate the lives and legacies of African American women and empower underestimated women and girls of color,” shared Chenise Williams, founder and director of AAWHMP. “Having the opportunity to work together to create a beautiful expression of achievements and accomplishments that will serve as an inspiration for all young women – especially girls of color – was the true definition of sisterhood and teamwork.”
Women featured in the exhibit are as follows:
- Rosusan D. Baertte, Ph.D.
- Arlene Blake
- Lavon Wright Bracy, Ed. D.
- The Honorable Kamia Brown
- Former Orange County Commissioner Mable Butler
- Barbara Page Burns
- Olivia Allen Chaney, M.D.
- Shirley Smith Cowans
- Representative Lavon Bracy Davis
- Former U.S. Representative Val Demings
- Ericka Dunlap
- Kitty Jean Patterson Ellison
- Carolyn Fennell
- Vicki-Elaine Felder
- Valada Parker Flewellyn
- Fabiola D. Gaines, R.D., L.D.
- Taniahs Nunn Gary, Esq.
- Barbara Jenkins, Ed.D.
- Nina Wilson Jones
- Judge Alicia L. Latimore
- Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum
- Monica May
- Lena Graham-Morris
- Naomi Joy Nelson
- Lucille O’Neal, LHD
- Melva Jacqueline Perkins
- Mia Poinsette
- Laine Powell, Ed.D.
- Pastor Sharon Riley
- Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq.
- Demetria Hill Sloan
- Reverend Erika Smith
- Shanta Barton-Stubbs, Th.D., D.D.
- Juanita Collier Verreen
- Clara Walters, Ed.D.
- Roniece Weaver
- Bridget Williams, Ed.D.
- Chenise Williams
- Nadine Mentor Williams
- Annetta Wilson
- Secily Wilson
The exhibit is open to the public Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and select Saturdays. To learn more, contact Lydia Sealey at [email protected].
