ORLANDO – Young Blacks in Action Incorporated (YBA) participated in the City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2024, in the parade position of Number 13 behind the parade and city officials. The annual parade was held to honor the former service members of the United States Armed Forces.
YBA is now in its 45th year as a community youth organization. YBA was founded by Howard (Mr. Flute) Gentry in 1979, to provide an artistic outlet for the youth in some of the following neighborhoods: Washington Shores, Holden Heights, Lake Mann Estates, Richmond Heights, Malibu, and Carver Shores.
In an interview before the parade, Mr. Flute mentioned, “That it is important for youth to know about and participate in celebrations that honor servicemen and women who have fought and died for this country’s freedom.” Furthermore, he stated, “Our youth need to understand the history of the United States and their significance to the future of this great country.”
YBA is scheduled to participate in other events, including the upcoming Winter Park Christmas Parade, the City of Orlando, and the Town of Eatonville MLK Celebrations. Additionally, there are plans to participate in several Black history celebrations for the upcoming 2025 Black History Celebrations. Also, plans are underway for a YBA Unleashing the Greatness in Our Youth Black History Program planned for February 2025. If you are interested in donating, sponsoring, volunteering, or have a youth interested in participating, contact Mr. Flute at phone: (407)739-3388, email: [email protected], or through the organization’s website: http://www.ybacommunityband.com/.
