ORLANDO, Fla. – Festivities and celebrations are being held across Central Florida for this Juneteenth weekend, honoring the new federal holiday marking the anniversary of when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom in the United States.

The City of Orlando hosted its inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Saturday and declared Alzo J. Reddick their champion for the holiday. 

“I feel very gratified to be the author of the Juneteenth observation from 1991,” said Reddick as he shared stories at a local museum dedicated to Black history on Orange Center Blvd.

If the former state representative speaks, anyone that is nearby stops what they’re doing to listen.

The Central Florida icon is a key figure in Orlando history.

“I feel very fortunate to have been given an opportunity to send a message about Juneteenth and the black men and women that wore the uniform,” he explained. “The black men and women who fought for freedom, and what we hope to pass on to the next generation.”

As a long-time educator, he spent the majority of his life paving the way forward for those who follow in his footsteps.

Reddick was the first Black man hired to teach at Winter Park High School, the first Black administrator at Rollins College, and the first Black man from Orlando to serve as a state legislator.

His work in office ultimately led to Florida acknowledging Juneteenth way before it became a federal holiday.

“I did my best during my years in the Florida legislature to represent the needs and aspirations of the Black community in Orlando, Florida,” Reddick shared.

His proven history and continued efforts to educate are exactly why the city of Orlando decided to honor him as the Juneteenth champion at their festival.

“I accept this award but I accept it on behalf of the people who fought and died for freedom and we’re going to keep on fighting,” he proclaimed while standing on a stage at Lake Lorna Doone Park.

As his voice rang across the park, he reminded those in attendance that the push for equality is still a present reality.

The Juneteenth patriarch has seen a bit of everything in Central Florida and now his mission is to pass a message of unity and education on to the next generation.

“Everything I want for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I want for everyone else and their great-grandchildren.”