BY JIMMIE WILLIAMS
ORLANDO – On February 3rd, 2023 in the beautiful City of Orlando, the vacation capital of the world, the citizens of Orlando held its first event of this kind. Dedication of Luminaries. The beautiful weather on Friday, allowed for the Dedication of Luminaries to be held outside. It was held in front of the Union West building on Terry Avenue. A check in table was in front area near the corner of Terry Avenue and Putnam Avenue. The reception for families and officials began at 5 p.m. with music from Ms. Jacqueline Jones and her band starting at 5:15 p.m. The presentation honoring the luminaries started at 5:45 p.m. My wife and I took the opportunity to get photos with Mayor Dyer, Commissioner Regina I. Hill, Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Commissioner Bakari F. Burns and Commissioner Mike Scott. You have to visit Creative Village. It’s a redevelopment project that turned out amazing and now with this new addition makes this spot in Orlando a hot location in the city. On Feb 3, 2023 the city of Orlando lit the first 12 luminary memorials installed to honor the life and legacy of community leaders who served. The gathering space is for residents, workers, students of Creative Village, Parramore and downtown Orlando to enjoy. Luminary Green has a large, welcoming lawn for everyone to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors. The 12 Luminaries are Commissioner Napoleon “Nap” Ford, Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum, Reverend Nathaniel G. Staggers, Georgia Nell Woodley, Mercerdese Richardson Clark, Vencina “Ms. Vinnie” Cannady, Ira “Sonny” Vance, Henry Sadler, Clifton Tobias (C.T.) Williams, Dr. Ozell “Billy” Green, Eddie T. Jackson and Wilbur Sylvester Gary.
