On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the City of Lakeland will kick off Black History Month celebrations with a Black History Festival at Jackson Park and the Coleman-Bush Building, located at 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Lakeland. This free event which begins at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., is open to all ages, and promises to be an unforgettable day filled with exciting live performances, cultural enrichment, and family-friendly fun.
This year’s Black History Festival will showcase dynamic local rhythmic dancers and inspirational spoken word artists throughout the day. Community members will also have the opportunity to stroll through the park to explore artisan vendors, enjoy an assortment of savory food truck options, and check out a classic car exhibition. There will also be educational and entertaining interactive children’s activities.
The celebration continues inside the historic Coleman-Bush Building, where visitors can experience a powerful permanent history exhibit showcasing the story of Lakeland’s Black community and its pioneers. The exhibit will feature an interactive touchscreen display that highlights the remarkable contributions and lasting impact of African Americans in Lakeland. While attending the Black History Festival, we invite you to step inside the Coleman-Bush Building to explore the contents of a 25-year-old time capsule and help commemorate the building’s 50-year anniversary…