It’s all about diversity and unity!

It’s all about diversity and unity!

By Jalen Williams

Jalen.williams2@gmail.com                           

It was a Beautiful, sunny day at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Saturday. Hundreds of people were gathered along the shore. The smell of salt water and clean air was fresh with the coastal winds blowing through your hair.  The city of Fort Lauderdale presented the “4th Annual Great American Beach Party.”

The Great American Beach Party was an all-day event that lasted from 10a.m.10p.m.  There was a variety of activities to participate in this weekend. It featured live bands, kids zones, a sand castle contest, an art show, a classic car show, a sand soccer tournament, a volleyball tournament, the walk of fame induction, concerts and a free movie on the beach.

Three local legends were recognized for their lifelong achievements with induction into the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Walk of Fame. The official Walk of Fame induction ceremony took place on the south stage.

This year’s honorees include Attorney and Civil Rights Advocate W. George Allen; The Gill Family, Fort Lauderdale’s First Family of Tourism; and Public Relations Executive Jack Drury.

Each honoree received a commemorative marble paver that will be placed in the Walk of Fame to memorialize their out-standing accomplishments. The Fort Lauderdale Walk of Fame is located on the beach along the east side of A1A at Las Olas Boulevard.

The City established the Walk of Fame in 2010 at the inaugural Great American Beach Party to pay tribute to the legendary Connie Francis on the 50th Anniversary of “Where the Boys Are,” the 1960 film which made Fort Lauderdale an overnight sensation and a “must see” destination for visitors.

“The Goal is to try to build the community and provide or host an event that gets people from the city to come together and interact and enjoy the various activities at these events,” said Chaz Adams, public information specialist.

The Boogie Knights Disco Revival Concert was the main event. It was Outstanding. Hundreds of Floridians gathered around the North and South stage to watch two unique performances.  On the South side of the stage is where the Boogie Knights performed.  On the North side is where a group called “Across the Universe (Beatles)” performed.

In addition, the Great American Beach Party was great for the community.

Amanni Marshall, a Florida A&M student joined the festivities while home on break with his twin brother Armani. Both of them agreed that the event was a success.

Giovanni said, “The Fort Lauderdale beach was a great environment to be in because everyone was full of laughter and joy. There were people from all ages out there.”

This event represented the diversity of the City of Fort Lauderdale. There were people from all ages and different cultures attending and celebrating this wonderful event.

Giovanni concluded, “I look forward to the City of Fort Lauderdale’s next summer event!”

City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler had this to say about the event: “The great American Beach Party was a huge success. We had a tremendous turnout from our communities. You could see the pride on the face of George Allen, one of the Walk of Fame inductees. By bringing the different traditions, backgrounds, social economic, race, religion and ethnicity together with positive events enriches the community. A city is only as strong as its weakest link.”

     Summer intern Jalen Williams is an up and coming Senior at Florida A&M University seeking a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.