Daytona Beach, FL- The AAEA is honored to present the Barrier Breakers Series in partnership with the Daytona Tortugas, as part of the Minor League Baseball “The Nine” Initiative, a community inclusion initiative that will be hosted by the Daytona Tortugas at the historical Jackie Robinson Ballpark, located at 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114. This will be a 4 night series dedicated to Barrier Breakers throughout the Tortugas home season on April 9th, June 10th, July 8th and August 12th. These nights will honor the milestones, individuals and community venues that have paved the way for today’s and tomorrow’s athletes, business owners and community leaders. The 1st Night of the Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted April 9th at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Lucie Mets.
“I feel honored to follow the footsteps of the Great Jackie Robinson and other black history makers that have paved the way for the African American and minority communities through partnerships that support equity, diversity, and inclusion,” says Leslie Giscombe, Founder and CEO at African American Entrepreneurs Association. This news comes in the wake of the Corporate Partnership between The Daytona Tortugas and the AAEA.
“We are extremely excited to honor the barrier breakers who will be spotlighted in this series for their contributions to our sport, community and society,” Tortugas General Manager Jim Jaworski said. “We cannot thank the African American Entrepreneurs Association enough for their partnership in this groundbreaking new initiative.”
This community partnership between the AAEA and the Daytona Tortugas is an exciting opportunity to commemorate and honor, while enjoying fun entertainment and celebrating the trailblazers that have persevered in following their dreams before us.
April 9: The 1st Night of the Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted April 9th at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Lucie Mets. The Daytona Tortugas will feature Local Negro Leagues teams and players with a commemorative focus and the AAEA will host The African-American Entrepreneurs Showcase in the concessions area. The Showcase will feature an assortment of 12 locally owned African-American businesses and community leaders. The community is invited to join in and fully enjoy all these evenings will have to offer!
June 10: The 2nd night of The Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted June 10th at 7:05 p.m. against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. The evening honoree will be Johnny Wright, a pitcher who broke professional baseball’s color barrier with Jackie Robinson in 1946 right here in Daytona Beach.
July 8: The 3rd night of The Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted July 8th at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Lucie Mets. On this evening, Mary McLeod Bethune, one of the most celebrated African American figures as an influencer, educator, civil rights activist, and advocate for women’s equality for more than three decades will be the focus of the night. She also founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial School for Negro Girls, later merged with the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville to become known as Bethune-Cookman University, located 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. She is attributed with helping make it possible for Robinson and Wright to make history in Daytona Beach.
Aug. 12: The 4th night of The Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted August 12th at 7:05 p.m. against the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The evening will focus on the community jewel, Kelly Field. This venue is where Robinson and Wright trained, as well as served as a social hub of the community.
About The African American Entrepreneurs Association: The AAEA focuses its partnerships on businesses and organizations that are dedicated to the support of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Members enjoy help with their career or entrepreneur journey, skill sets, education, and community experiences. In addition to live community events, the AAEA offers virtual events, shared resources, and career opportunities. We strive to provide resources and opportunities for one to learn, grow, and connect when you become a member.
