The Silver Anniversary of the City of Tampa Black History Celebration was held on February 15, 2013 at the Tampa Convention Center. The theme was “25 Years of Excellence,” and highlighted the accomplishments of city employees, the efforts of the City of Tampa Black History Committee and the unity that can be found in diversity. Rod Carter, WFLA Channel 8 News Anchor, was the emcee. Among those in attendance were: from left, City Councilman Frank Reddick; City Clerk, Shirley Foxx-Knowles; Tonja Brickhouse, Director, City of Tampa Solid Waste Dept.; Heddie Sumpter, State Senator Arthenia Joyner, Bobby Bowden (retired), who started the Black History celebration and served as chairman of the committee for many years; School Board Member Doretha Edgecomb; Bettye Greene Johnson (retired), who followed Bowden as chair of the committee; Dr. Walter Smith, County Commissioner Les Miller and retired City of Tampa employee, Fred Hearns. (Photography by BURNSON)