Attendees celebrate the 10th Annual Legacy Awards Dinner in St. Petersburg recognizing community leaders.
The 10th Annual Legacy Awards Dinner in St. Petersburg honored significant contributions of African American leaders in the community, focusing on the role of educators. Hosted by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance at the St. Petersburg Museum of History, the event celebrated trailblazers like Fire Chief Keith Watts and dedications in education by outstanding women, including Arthurene Williams and Joanne B. Andrews. The evening highlighted unity and collective action for community upliftment, showcasing the importance of recognizing local legacies.
In St. Petersburg, the community recently gathered to honor incredible African American leaders at the 10th Annual Legacy Awards Dinner. Hosted by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA), the event was the perfect blend of celebration and reflection, held at the beautiful St. Petersburg Museum of History. This year’s theme focused on a cause close to everyone’s hearts: the vital role educators play in shaping the youth of our city.
For a decade now, this awards dinner has highlighted the hard work and dedication of individuals who are making a real difference in the community. Serving as a devoted sponsor since the very beginning, Jonathan Fleece, the CEO of Empath Health, expressed the importance of recognizing collective efforts aimed at establishing and nurturing community legacies. The overarching message? It’s about coming together and recognizing the unique contributions of individuals who enrich our community.
One of the shining stars of the evening was St. Petersburg’s Fire Chief, who made history as the first African American to hold this distinguished position in 117 years. Chief Keith Watts, who took the reins just last October, reflected on his role, hoping to inspire future generations so that he won’t be the last to break barriers in leadership. His merit-based and equity-focused appointment was commended by Mayor Ken Welch, showcasing a hopeful future for diversity in local leadership.
As the event continued, attendees celebrated the achievements of some truly remarkable individuals whose hard work has paved the way for others. Everald Colas, known as the founder of Story Studio for Architecture, received the prestigious Pioneer Award. Colas has played an instrumental role in community development, with projects like the striking Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown hotel to his credit. His commitment to building spaces that elevate communities is commendable.
The night wasn’t just about architecture and leadership in public safety. The Legacy Education Award went to Arthurene Williams, the founder of Kidz World. Her nearly 40 years of tireless dedication to teaching and advocating for childcare has helped countless children thrive in St. Petersburg. Meanwhile, retired educator Joanne B. Andrews secured the 2025 Community Champion Award for her substantial influence as a principal within Pinellas County Schools. Both of these women have significantly impacted education, inspiring young minds to reach their full potential.
Esther Matthews, the president of the NAACP’s St. Petersburg chapter, was also celebrated, earning the Dorothy M. Davis Award. Matthews has made remarkable strides in uplifting the Black community, focusing on resources for hurricane victims and equitable distribution within the neighborhood. Her hard work exemplifies community dedication and collective action.
The evening underscored not just individual accomplishments but the importance of unity in making a positive impact on future generations. Davis-Pritchett took the opportunity to emphasize the significance of leveraging one’s unique gifts and connections to create a better tomorrow. The event truly encapsulated the feeling of togetherness and shared responsibility that defines St. Petersburg.
As the 10th Annual Legacy Awards Dinner drew to a close, the excitement lingered in the air. With the construction of the Legacy Center in South St. Petersburg underway, conceptualized by none other than Everald Colas, the community is looking forward to more collaborations and benevolent initiatives. It’s clear—St. Petersburg is not just about celebrating the past but building a legacy for the future. Here’s to many more years of honoring those who make a difference!
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