Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Youth and Community
For Ebony News Today
The Fourth Annual Lift Every Voice event, a vibrant showcase of youth talent from Rockledge area public, private, and charter schools, as well as youth community groups and faith-based organizations, took place on February 23, 2025, at the Rockledge Civic Hub in Rockledge, Florida.
This inspiring event, held during Black History Month, served as a day of unity, brotherhood, and artistic expression. It provided students with an opportunity to share their talents, school projects, and poetic recitations beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community. Named in tribute to James Weldon Johnson’s Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Negro National Anthem, the event has become a beloved tradition.
A Vision for Community Engagement
The Lift Every Voice event originated from Beverly Hamilton’s vision to give her Kennedy Middle School poetry club a platform to perform. She approached the Rockledge City Council with her idea, leading Councilman Dr. Michael Cadore to propose forming a committee to connect with local schools and churches. In its inaugural year, educators and youth leaders eagerly embraced the opportunity for a non-competitive, inclusive event. Over the years, the event has flourished, becoming a highly anticipated fixture in school and church calendars every February.
According to Hamilton, “From the very beginning, we have been able to count on Kennedy, Emma Jewel, Golfview, Faith Temple Christian Center, McNair, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” She continued, “Now, we also have Rockledge High, Mount Moriah AME Church, and Cocoa High.” The event also featured dedicated spaces for art, history exhibits, and Growth Mindset table displays.
Empowering Youth Through Performance
Councilman Dr. Michael Cadore emphasized the event’s impact, stating, “This event is all about the kids. We have to empower them to get on the stage or have a display of the great things that they are learning. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people, and the community supports this event and embraces our kids.”
Performances from Andersen Elementary School, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Golfview Elementary Magnet School, McNair Magnet Middle School, Cocoa High School, Rockledge High School, Emma Jewel Charter, and other local institutions filled the venue with creativity, passion, and inspiration. The event featured heartfelt poetry recitations, stirring musical performances, and compelling school projects that captivated the audience.
Honoring a Community Hero
A highlight of the event was the recognition of the 2025 Community Hero, Mel Mitchell III, for his outstanding contributions to the community.
Appreciation for Sponsors
The success of Lift Every Voice was made possible by the generous support of sponsors:
Diamond Sponsors:
- Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Greg Phelps, AAMS
- The Simpkins Foundation
Gold Sponsors:
- Launch Credit Union
- State Farm – Jared Faniel
- Thrifty Specialty Produce & Meats
- WELBRO Building Corporation
Silver Sponsors:
- Train To Succeed
- Magnus Solutions Inc.
- Space Coast Sigmas: Kappa Chi Sigma
- Brevard County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
A special thank you to the event’s food sponsors, J’s Sweet Treats and The Shermanator Fried Kitchen, for providing delicious refreshments.
Looking Ahead
With its continued growth and impact, the Lift Every Voice event remains a beacon of cultural pride, artistic excellence, and community unity. As participation expands each year, it reaffirms the power of education, the arts, and collective celebration in fostering a bright future for young people in Rockledge and beyond.
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