By Maxine Gross

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at Lakeland Park for a reunion on Aug. 27, many sporting T-shirts proclaiming “Lakeland is my hometown.” The name of the event, Welcome to Lakeland, was inspired by musician Jerry McMillian, who spoke with friends about releasing a single of the same name. More than 300 people came together to celebrate Lakeland, the city’s historically Black community. Pamela Boardly, who helped organize the event, said, “When word of mouth got out, people were excited. People came from everywhere. People came on canes and walkers — they were determined to be there.” Maggie Brooks, also a Lakeland resident, reflected, “It shows there is still unity of people still here and people gone. There is still love.”

Mrs Elizabeth Campbell Adams, Chatlita and her great-niece, Edyn.
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Mrs Elizabeth Campbell Adams, Chatlita and her great-niece, Edyn. Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
The Campbell family’s tent stood front and center at the Aug. 27 Lakeland celebration
Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
The Campbell family’s tent stood front and center at the Aug. 27 Lakeland celebration Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Mrs Elizabeth Campbell Adams with grandson James Tyrone Kennedy.
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Mrs Elizabeth Campbell Adams with grandson James Tyrone Kennedy. Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with family members. 
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with family members. Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with Rick Dawkins.
Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with Rick Dawkins. Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
 Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with James Tyrone Kennedy Jr. 
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with James Tyrone Kennedy Jr. Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Tommy, Crystal, Bridget and Jennifer.
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Tommy, Crystal, Bridget and Jennifer. Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with son-in-law, George Smith II.
Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with son-in-law, George Smith II. Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Katrina, Jennifer, and Dennis. 
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Katrina, Jennifer, and Dennis. Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Seated: Pearl Lee and Elizabeth Campbell Adams. Standing: Kathleen, Silva, Monica, and Dana.
Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Seated: Pearl Lee and Elizabeth Campbell Adams. Standing: Kathleen, Silva, Monica, and Dana. Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Lowell Haliburton (third from left) hosted a fish fry at Lakeland Park on Aug. 27.
Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Lowell Haliburton (third from left) hosted a fish fry at Lakeland Park on Aug. 27. Courtesy of Jennifer Campbell Dawkins
Lakeland Community friends.
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland Community friends. Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with children Pearl Lee Campbell Edwards, Mary Ann Campbell Smith, Kathleen Campbell Kennedy, Dennis Campbell and Jennifer Campbell-Dawkins
Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Lakeland’s oldest resident, 95-year-old Elizabeth Campbell Adams, with children Pearl Lee Campbell Edwards, Mary Ann Campbell Smith, Kathleen Campbell Kennedy, Dennis Campbell and Jennifer Campbell-Dawkins Courtesy of Rick Dawkins
Over 300 people celebrated Lakeland on Aug. 27.
Courtesy of Maxine Gross
Over 300 people celebrated Lakeland on Aug. 27. Courtesy of Maxine Gross
Over 300 people celebrated Lakeland on Aug. 27.
Courtesy of Maxine Gross
Over 300 people celebrated Lakeland on Aug. 27. Courtesy of Maxine Gross