History is made once again at the historical grounds of Kelly Field on October 23rd! This date has increased in value as a day of immense historical importance in the city of Daytona Beach, and the world of baseball. On October 23rd in 1945 Jackie Robinson signed his contract with the Montreal Royals and now, in 2022, the community came together to honor and recognize the hallowed grounds where Jackie Robinson and Johnny Wright reintegrated baseball in 1946, Kelly Field of the Cypress Street Park, with the Historical Marker Dedication.
“It was an honor to be a part of the Historical Marker Dedication of Kelly Field in Daytona Beach, FL. Having featured this historical location as one of the MiLB ‘The Nine’ minority initiative Barrier Breaker Series honorees, in partnership with the Daytona Tortugas and the AAEA for 2022, it meant a lot to us at the AAEA to be a part of this dedication. We look forward to many more years of sharing the story and the social progress that began in this very location.” said AAEA Founder and CEO Leslie Giscombe.
This was a truly remarkable day and the turnout was inspiring! Speakers included CODB Mayor Derrick Henry, SABR CEO Scott Bush, SABR Jim & Pam Bard, SABR Mike Kaszuba, NAACP Cynitha Slater, AAEA Founder, and CEO Leslie Giscombe, and Daytona Native Lucas Harold Jr. Also in attendance was the daughter of Johnny Wright, Carlis (Wright) Robinson, Josh McCann, Coordinator at Phoenix Suns Charities, and Rachel Morton, Community Relations Specialist with the MiLB Daytona Tortugas. For an added treat, lunch was served by Food Network and Daytona Local Sauté Kingz By Chef Count.
The AAEA was created to develop and create economic development through entrepreneurship within the underserved African American and minority communities through education, mentoring, workshops, group economics, and micro-financing opportunities. AAEA focuses its partnerships on businesses and organizations that are dedicated to the support of equity, diversity, and inclusion. It is imperative that as a community we support and work together. With any questions or concerns regarding the AAEA please call the AAEA office at (386) 234-2014 or visit www.aaeassociation.org.
