On Wednesday, February 16th, the City of Tampa Black History Committee held their 23rd Annual Black History Celebration. The event was held at the Tampa Convention Center. This year’s theme was ‘Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve: The Importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.’ The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Walter L. Smith, former president of Florida A & M University. Edward Waters Concert Choir provided the entertainment. Among those in attendance at the event were from left to right: Tampa Fire Chief Thomas Forward, Ms. Lenoir Russell, Ed Johnson, East Tampa Development Manager; Dr. Walter Smith, keynote speaker; Mrs. Barbara Smith, Rev. Thomas Scott, Chairman of Tampa City Council, Frank Crum, CTTV Producer/Director; Ms. Tonja Brickhouse, Director of Solid Waste; and Rod Carter, Channel 8 News Anchor. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre).