Rosewood descendants Gregory Doctor, center left, and Dr. Marvin Dunn embrace at the wreath ceremony.

ROSEWOOD, Fla.—The Remembering Rosewood Centennial Committee held a week-long event with a wreath ceremony on the land which was once the prosperous community of Rosewood, Fla. The events marked the 100-year commemoration of the Rosewood massacre in which angry Whites attacked and destroyed the town. (See The Final Call, Vol. 42 No. 14)

The descendants of the eight surviving families and lost souls were honored with a heartfelt wreath dedication and soil ceremony. The keynote was presented by Gainesville City Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Chestnut. 

The gathering held January 8-14 was attended by Rev. Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, Atty. Benjamin L Crump, Yo MTV Raps DJ Diamond Kuts, and many more. Events were designed to educate, enlighten, and encourage attendees. 

The events not only honor the lives impacted by the fateful events in January 1923, they also set the stage for the future leaders to fulfill the legacy of resilience and renewal established by the survivors and heroes of Rosewood. —Story and photos by Hashim Hakim

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