Black achievement isn't just reserved for one month and a calendar to highlight the important work of Black men 365 days a year was unveiled today at John Prince Park.
For the seventh year Project 12, a calendar and publication of SHE Holdings LLC was released to the public during a drive-in ceremony. This year’s calendar recognized black men in healthcare, politics, media, human rights, non-profits and business making impactful contributions to South Florida.
In years past the calendar and release was held in front of a large sold-out crowd at West Palm’s Kravis Center. But due to the pandemic the unveiling was held at John Prince Park.
Shenetria Moore, the publisher of the calendar and SHE Holdings LLC CEO says the 10,200 social justice demonstrations and protests over the summer only fueled the need and urgency for a new edition.
”I saw the comfortable become uncomfortable,” said Moore. “Regardless if I’m a multimillionaire or not — this (killing of Black men) is affecting me. I needed to put all boots to the ground. I needed to put my hands to the plow. It's not a black or white thing — it’s a humanity thing.”
Proceeds go towards scholarships and enrichment programming for black youth and young adults from age 10 though college and early adulthood.
The event also included three humanitarian awards given to Kitty Lundan, Sen. Bobby Powell and the Black Nurse Practitioners of Palm Beach County for their tireless efforts amid the pandemic and social causes.
“We feel honored to be recognized by the public,” said Judyann Wellington, Black Nurse Practitioners of Palm Beach County founder and president. “We give a lot and sacrifice a lot being away from our families. Going out into the community, doing COVID testing and working long hours — and having to come home to our families. We’re exposing them as well as ourselves.”
“It’s a matter of the heart,” added Martine Senatus, Black Nurse Practitioners of Palm Beach County health policy committee chair. “It’s not recognition we went looking for — it’s something that’s ingrained in us. We just went out there and served the community. That’s who we are and that’s who we’re going to continue to be.”
Project 12 calendar honorees like Riviera Beach Mayor Ronnie Felder also say the recognition comes with responsibility.
”It takes a whole community effort to make sure that we’re giving back to our youth and that we’re giving back to our community,” Felder said. “And this is just a start being able to see faces that are out there everyday making sure and beating the doors down for the next generation.”
To learn more about Project 12 and SHE Holdings LLC, click here