Legends
The 2023 Legends Ball
The Legends Ball is a celebration of success, commitment and excellence in accordance with our mission to preserve, present, interpret, celebrate and commemorate African American History and the culture.
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida’s 2023 Legends Ball, will honor the lives and legacies of individuals who have made extraordinary strides in our community and beyond, as consummate leaders, and contributors to Black History.
2023 Honorees
- The Honorable Darryl Rouson (State Senator)
- The Honorable Kenneth T. Welch (Mayor)
- Mr. Anthony Holloway (St. Petersburg Police Chief)
- Dr. Frederic J. Guerrier (Local and international physician and Humanitarian)
- Reverend Watson L. Haynes II President and CEO Pinellas County Urban League (Posthumously)
- (Ray Arsenault Lifetime Achievement Awardee)
- Jon Wilson, Journalist and Author
The Inaugural Legends Ball - 2008
The Inaugural Legends Ball was a celebration of success, commitment and community – to benefit the wonderful legacy of the Carter G. Woodson African-American History Museum. The evening served as a tribute to the lifetime achievements of thirty-two giants. They represent countless foot soldiers that have fought and persevered so that others could enjoy freedoms that TODAY allow children to dream.
Mrs. Christine Morris
In 1949, Mrs. Christine Morris almost single-handedly established the first library for African Americans in segregated Clearwater in a storefront on the corner of Palmetto and Pennsylvania Streets. The library she began is now embodied in the north Greenwood branch of the Clearwater Public Library.
Joseph W. Hatchett
A native of Clearwater, in 1975 he became the first African American to be appointed to serve on the Florida Supreme Court. Later, he was appointed to serve on the Federal bench. Retired since 1999, he currently resides in Tallahassee.