Hello everyone.

I'm Rameca Vincent Leary, and welcome to this edition of Connecting the Community.

What's a good way to enjoy yourself, meet new people and obtain some education in the process?

During this episode, we're exploring fun with festivals.

Get ready to be captivated by some amazing events happening in our own backyard.

We'll explore the Fred Levin Way fest and hear more about the foundation that bears this Pensacola icon's name.

Plus, we'll take you on a cultural and educational journey as we highlight the Watson Family Foundation's Juneteenth celebration, a family reunion for the culture.

But first, we'll take a journey inside WSRE's own backyard with two events.

We host Be My Neighbor Day and Amazing Kids Day.

It's an honor to welcome Jill Hubbs General manager of WSRE Now up first, it's be my neighbor Day.

And joining her to discuss this fun filled event is Jeanette Gatlin.

WSRE Foundation board member.

Welcome to both of you.

Beautiful ladies in green.

Well, thank you so much.

Oh, you're welcome.

So, Jill, let's start with you.

And one thing about you, you approach your job as general manager with the utmost integrity.

So be my neighbor day.

Take us on a journey back to when it started.

About five years ago.

You know, WSRE joined other PBS stations throughout the United States to create an event that where we could bring people from the community in and share the resources that PBS has for all our PBS kids, but also to bring members of the community, nonprofit organizations that that are designed to help families and children and give them the resources they need or information that they need.

And so it's all based on the values, the neighborly values.

And Mr. Rogers, Mr. Rogers.

From Mr. Rogers neighborhood and, you know, when the original Mr. Rogers neighborhood no longer aired, the company that had started the program decided because Fred was gone and they wanted his legacy to live on.

So they created the Daniel Tiger's neighborhood.

And it's an animated show with the values of Mister Rogers neighborhood and Mister Rogers.

And everybody loves Daniel Tiger.

And if you have young children, they know exactly who Daniel Tiger is.

They certainly do.

We're going to hear a lot more about that momentarily.

But you're in our neighborhood.

Jeanette Gatlin, you are a WSRE Foundation board member.

What does it mean to you to be a part of all this?

It's means that, you know, you're really connecting with the people in your community.

You're really reaching out to those that may not be aware about what's going on here and to enlighten them and show them that there is so much happening in Pensacola and to bring the community together.

So that is something I enjoy doing.

Now, speaking of togetherness, and I volunteer a lot for my neighbors, which is, you know, I've seen you in the shadows a few years when I was reading books and dribbles the all knowing cat and the cute little children.

But you actually explore everything pertaining to the event and you've shared some excellent observations with us and as a board member.

Now, Jill, let's talk about the importance of that community involvement and also honing down on what some people would expect when they walk through the doors at Amos Studio.

But of course, there's a lot happening outside, too.

It's inside.

It's outside.

It's we had over 30 community partners this past year and many community partners that have been with us since the beginning.

And the bottom line, it's about sharing resources for early learning, for health and safety, for, you know, just all the things that are there for families they may not realize and and just having fun.

It's about having fun and.

Bottom line, too, with Mr. Rogers was about being kind and just like Ms.. Gatlin said, you know, it's about community.

What can you do to make your community a better place?

What can you do to to volunteer or make a difference?

We ask everybody that comes to be my neighbor day to bring a food item for the man, a food pantry.

And every year Mr. Rogers would love that we're doing that.

But there's fun inside and outside, and it's all hands on activities for the kids.

It really is about being fun, but being kind and being a good neighbor.

Now I know there are too many community partners to mention.

I have a long list right here, but one of the biggest draws, Daniel Tiger getting that photo op with him.

That line wraps around Amos Studio and out the door, doesn't it?

It absolutely.

The kids absolutely love Daniel Tiger, but the parents want their picture taken with him, too, you know?

So he is a very popular PBS character.

And, you know, just we're pleased to be able to bring this event to the community each year and each year it gets bigger and bigger.

This past year, we had over 3000 children and families show up.

So, yes, it was great.

It was an awesome day.

We had kids performing in it with from the Dixon School, the arts and Mix and magic.

Yes.

You remember we're reading stories and helping us with the event.

It was just it just was fun.

I mean, seeing the kids with the smiles on their faces, you know, outside petting the sheriff's mounted horses, that we have a trolley and a train that from Winter Fest, you know, So there's just it's just so much fun and activity, but it's just a great way of seeing everybody come together and sharing the values and all the great resources that we offer for PBS kids.

Absolutely.

And Jeanette, we want the entire family to come out.

We also want volunteers as well, as Jill said.

Now you have children of your own.

And when they were youngsters participating in an event like this, I'm sure this would have been exceptional.

But let's fast forward to where you are now.

Many people know that you are the mother of Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin.

Olympics right around the corner in Paris.

But there's something new on the horizon for him.

So why don't you tell our viewers what that is.

Justin has a book that is coming out very shortly.

It's called Ready, Set, Go, which is the same name as his podcasts.

And it tells parent s as well as young athletes what to look out for are try to educate them in the ups and downs of becoming a professional athlete.

As parents, my husband and I have a portion in the book where we try to guide the parents and let the parents know that they have to be there for their children.

That is a must.

There are too many pitfalls without that.

Until you know that all too well with all the amazing things that we have going on at WSRE and of course with the Net, Gatlin being a W sorry foundation board member, I can sense all that love emanating between the two of you.

So as we round out the segment, Jeanette, we just want to thank you for joining us to tell us a little bit more about your experiences with Be My Neighbor Day.

We appreciate you.

Well, Be My Neighbor's Day was just great.

This was my second year doing it.

And as Jill said, it was more parents and children there than I expected because the year before it wasn't as big, but it was wonderful.

It was so interesting to see the kids eyes glow when they got into different activities.

They they even with the said section that they had them with toothbrushes.

So, yes.

And stuff.

They they learned good hygiene habits.

They learned a lot of things.

They they also had a reading section inside.

They had hair braiding and face painting.

The kids were just so excited.

And I hope that this upcoming year will be even bigger.

It is a community activity that costs you nothing but a great time.

And like I said, smiling over there.

Right.

We were proud to bring it's a free, family friendly, fun event.

You know, I missed that.

One was saying, you know, there were so many activities, but Pensacola State College was out there with many departments.

The cosmetology was dry haircuts.

The dental department was the ones demonstrating all the, you know, the tooth brushing and giving out samples and everything.

It was just a great way.

And, you know, at the end of the day, as tired as everybody was for planning the event and hosting it, it was it's just leaves a good feeling, just like Mr. Rogers would want.

You to do.

You know.

Be my.

Neighbor.

Exactly.

Will you be my neighbor?

We had we love seeing all of our neighbors come out and, you know, each year it gets bigger and bigger and better and.

Oh, yes, Jill, Jeanette Gatlin is such a joy and inspiration.

But we have another wonderful event that WSB sponsors Amazing Kids Day.

We have a surprise guest joining us this segment, Erin Erskine, Community Advocate.

We'll get to him in just a moment.

But Jill, why don't you tell us what amazing kids day is and the purpose behind it?

Well, you know, we were just talking about being my neighbor day, which had this past year, it was over 3000 people that came and enjoyed that.

But we wanted to reach out to families that may have children on the spectrum, on the autism spectrum or special needs who might be uncomfortable in that environment with so many people with lots of noise and whatever.

So, you know, a decision was made to to create an event, especially for those families that would be a little more sensory friendly, lower key, not as many, you know, attendees and specifically with the agencies and community organizations that provide resources to those families.

And so, you know, a big part of making it happen was Erin Erskine, who just really believed.

In there at the.

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

He he ran with the idea and helped us sponsor it.

And also organize it.

And it wouldn't have happened without him.

And he has been with us for both of the years that we've done it.

We've even expanded over to Okaloosa.

We've done it in Escambia County and Okaloosa and and now, because there's so many PBS shows that feature a character that has autism or features, you know, dealing with special needs.

PBS is interested in our amazing kids.

That's right.

So it may spread to other stations.

It's a great.

Event.

It certainly is.

Now, Erin, you're a community advocate.

You wear a lot of hats and probably have a a vast array of bow ties tucked away somewhere.

But I will tell you, there are a lot of people at the event, one lady in particular, who brought two of her children.

And for our viewing audience, her name is Crystal, Brad Goode.

And we're going to hear from her right now.

I have a son that has Down syndrome and a daughter that's autistic.

She is having an amazing time.

She's experiencing playing with other children, getting involved in activities.

Even my son, he's four months old.

He's even enjoying being here.

Seeing an event like this melts my heart.

They have all kinds of organizations here and one is healthy start and I'm under their program.

They will give you different resources and it's amazing having an event like this shows us parents we can be strong.

And I have learned so much from today and I thank y'all tremendously from the bottom of my heart, giving my children a place to come to where they're accepted and their loved.

Erin.

And that just warms my heart.

Well, honestly, your reaction to that nice little clip that we saw?

Is there a word that just brings it home for you?

I think really it's it's knowing that you love the community that day and and seeing parents that have children that have special needs.

And it's something for instance, I was just a fly on the wall watching her interact with her kids and to see the joy of a parent seeing their child interacting, it's it's just a meaningful moment knowing that you touched someone and how much of an impact that have made in their lives.

I know a lot of our viewers are curious.

How did you come to know Jill and forge this wonderful relationship?

Well, I'd actually had some friends who have kids that have autism, and they were talking about the difficulties of even going to a movie theater to take their kids to it.

So I had done some stuff with W.S., sorry, and it reached out and initial the idea was, Let's just do a movie day.

And I probably have ADHD because anybody and everybody I talk to, I ask them, Do you have something you can do at our amazing kids day?

So Jill constantly gets phone calls of, Hey, I'm at the opera office.

Can they come to the amazing kids day?

I'm at the ballet, I'm at the symphony.

I don't know what surprises I'm going to do next year, but everybody, it's it's amazing to see how each organization has some way that they reach out to autism and special needs.

And just to have all of these things here for these kids to experience, I think it's just the fullness of heart.

Just seeing that these people were loved, overjoyed would be the like.

That hearing, you know.

Jill I like the fact that PBS overarchingly is thinking about the possibilities of an amazing kids day right?

So there are a lot of community partners that joined us that day.

Why don't you talk about some of what they did experiences.

You know, that was what was really neat too, of that we had dogs that we were reading to, we had therapy dogs, we had music therapy.

We had there was dance, there was, you know, all kinds of little hands on activities, a whole sensory room that one of our participating organizations provided.

And it was just a great way for families to choose different activities.

But it was it was to meet the needs of the children who were there.

And, you know, and then again, to share resources.

PBS has resources.

PBS has quite a few shows like Sesame Street, Arthur, even Daniel Tiger's neighborhood, where there's a character that has autism or special needs.

And I think really and truly what the feeling that I had was exactly what Ms..

Crystal said at the end of her.

Yes, She just felt like her children and she were accepted and loved.

And that I mean, when I heard her say that, it melted my heart, you know, we've accomplished our mission.

We're living our mission by doing that for families in the community.

All right.

Here.

And when I saw kids petting dogs and surrounded by these musicians, I thought, wow, this is amazing, because I love being a musician when I was in high school and in college.

But getting back to your community advocacy, there are many other things you do.

As I know you wear a lot of hat, so talk a little bit about that.

Outside of Amazing Kids Day.

I think I look at individuals with special needs as as just a group that is really worthy of giving to and committing time to volunteer and sponsor a Miracle League of Santa Rosa.

So our teams play on Tuesday nights for the adult league, and that's really fun.

And we're able to invite the younger people to come, you know, to the amazing kids day and then just other organizations that that I'm a part of.

But it's it's really a group when you get involved I think sometimes you go and you think I'm the one that's there to serve or to love and do this, but you're the one that goes.

And a lot of times you're the one that you feel the love and you really feel the joy of participating in that.

That's what I found.

Joy.

One of the other things I like is that people can visit our website w as a reward to find out not only about these events that we've covered in this segment, but other things as well.

Is there anything else you would like to highlight that's on the horizon?

We're always planning, always planning events and activities and sharing resources with teachers and, you know, parents and getting geared up for the new school year.

You know, when people do visit our website, they can also link up to PBS parents thought and PBS kids dot org where there is a wealth of resources there.

I'm a former teacher and I love the fact that every single show that PBS provides PBS kids shows Yes.

Has a curriculum and lesson plans and ideas for parents and books that you could read that, you know, build on what you've learned by watching.

So, you know, there's just a lot of resources there.

And, you know, and again, these events, you know, it's about bringing the community together.

It's about making a difference in the lives of the people that we serve.

And it's about just having fun, but, you know, being kind and neighborly.

All right, Be my neighbor.

I can't thank you all, a number of folks.

We just highlighted two amazing events.

And as we head to break, enjoy some additional memories from WC series.

Be my Neighbor Day will be back right after this.

Hello, everyone.

During this segment, we're shifting gears, highlighting the amazing legacy of Fred Leaven, a Pensacola icon.

Now, who better to shed light on the foundation that bears his name?

And the Fred Levin way fest than his immediate family?

It's a blessing to welcome Brenton Goodman, Fred's grandson.

He's joined by Jackie Goodman Martorell, Brenton's sister and Fred's granddaughter.

All right, Brenton I know you're happy to be on set.

I could see it all over your face.

So take us back to your first our earliest recollection and childhood memory of your grandfather, Fred Levin.

Well, thank you for having us.

You're welcome.

And I'd love to know when I think of my earliest childhood memory of my grandfather.

Honestly, it's probably in New York.

He arranged for the whole family to fly up.

He was getting inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and was being honored by the nation of Ghana for helping a Ghanian boxer named A.T.. And so we were in the 29th floor of the United Nations building, sitting there watching my grandfather come down with a scepter and a crown and and gold sandals and, you know, everyone praising him for what he did for this boxer.

And I really think that that's a wonderful story to reflect on about my grandfather.

And that was a great first impression because I got to see what people saw in him, which was that he was always willing to work for those that other people might have discarded.

And in this case I. Quartey And luckily he was able to help him reach great heights.

Interesting caveat.

So we know that your grandfather was multifaceted.

He also managed Pensacola native Roy Jones Junior.

Do you have any memories about that?

Yes.

Yeah, actually, very much so.

I'm of course, growing up in that kind of atmosphere.

I loved boxing, I loved Roy, and so all I wanted was have Roy come to a birthday party and one year my grandfather arranged to let me and all my friends go and train at Roy's boxing ring.

And we were told, Hey, listen, Roy can't make it.

But smoke.

Gainer is going to be there.

And of course, Mo Gainer was also an amazing boxer.

And so we were so excited and smoke came and we were all having a great time.

And unbeknownst to us, Roy had actually flown in that day and just made it and took it upon himself to come in with my grandfather and let us all take pot shots at him and none of us heard him.

And you heard him right?

He did.

He gave one of the scenarios.

And, you know, we just have great memories like that.

And him coming over to the house with all different kinds of celebrities when whether it's Muhammad Ali or anyone else.

And as it was wonderful growing up around my grandfather.

Brunson We're just getting started a lot more to unpack the Jackie stepping over into your world now you're you're probably thinking about a few things, but what is your first recollection?

An early childhood of your grandfather?

Oh, my first recollection of my grandfather is that every Thanksgiving so we would host still do my my mother hosted Thanksgiving at our house for the whole family anywhere from 25 to 50.

We have a very broad definition of family.

So, you know, if you know us and love us, your family, and if we know and love you, your family.

So 25, 50, 75 people come over for Thanksgiving every year and we would put on a puppet show.

We had a little puppet theater that we had gotten for Hanukkah the previous year.

And I was very excited to put on this puppet show for my family.

And grandpa jumped right in behind the curtain of the puppet theater and put on a little wolf puppet and joined right in in my retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.

It just no no airs, no pretension.

You know, he was just great guy.

Now, I know you remember that.

Brunch and I. Oh, laughing over there.

Very much so.

But here's the thing, Brenton, We have to segue into the fact that you now work at Levin, Papantonio Rafferty and your thirst for law.

I would imagine that he had something to do with it.

So why don't you tell us about that?

Yeah, well, really, it's him as well as our parents.

Both our parents were attorneys and both ended up becoming judges and watching the three of them discuss what they were doing for individuals in the community was really something that I grew up with and always enjoyed listening to.

And so when I saw the impact that they were able to make with their own jobs, you know, is something that I always knew I wanted to do something similar to.

Right.

And so after graduating from Davidson College with a philosophy degree, I really had nothing else I could do besides go to law school.

And I did that.

I fell in love with the law and likely made my way after the state attorney's office to Levin Papantonio Law Firm, where I've just been doing personal injury.

So motor vehicle wrecks slip and falls, any type of general liability issues.

And I've just really loved it because it's a it's the arm of the loving.

Papantonio that stays local with the community.

And so no matter how nation, national or worldwide the firm gets, we always maintain a foothold in the community.

And I love being a part of that.

Well, a little history.

Speaking of bolstering others up in the 2014 authorized biography written by Josh Young, he tells the story of your father's foray.

The University of Florida, and his relationship with the first black law student, George Stark.

Now, interestingly, as you know, your grandfather started at the bottom of the class and worked his way up to the top of the class.

Did he ever talk to you about that scenario?

So he did.

And, you know, the funny thing is, most people that know my grandfather either see him as very braggadocious.

Right.

And, you know, one of the one of the most known sayings was never get in between Fred Levin and a camera, because he always loved to talk about himself.

And so he would talk about his times in college and even in high school where he was a state champion basketball player and according to him, a city champion in ping pong.

But he what he would basically tell us was that, you know, it was a different time.

He just worked hard and did what he could.

But, you know, luckily, we had individuals like George Stark who would talk on what happened to him and what my grandfather did.

And we had this book come out and they really gave us more detail than we ever got, or at least than I ever got from my grandfather.

Interesting thing that he was George Stark, 10 minutes late for an exam, was not allowed to take a did not graduate, but he did earn a degree.

He was given a degree later on in life, but he mentored George Stark and others were reluctant initially.

But they saw your grandfather's love and compassion, and then others just started to wrap their arms around George.

When I read about that, I was also very moved.

Very much so.

Now, Jackie, I saw you shaking your head maybe.

No, no, disagreeing with a few things that your brother said, Jackie.

But I will say this.

I know that you cannot light a candle to pretty much what Fred did with the Fred Levin Way Foundation.

So we're going to segway into your grandfather's work with that.

So what would you like our viewing audience to know about that?

Because there is a lot of history.

So I was shaking my head because I had never heard the ping pong story.

What did you say?

State champion.

City champ.

Oh, city champion.

Oh, okay.

It's it could be true.

All right.

You never know.

Fred Levine Wife Foundation started in 1992, and it has expanded after the passing of my grandmother, Marilyn and my grandfather, Fred, to focus on the things that they loved the most.

My grandmother was a huge advocate for children and children's issues.

My grandfather loved the Pensacola community.

He would often say, you know, he could live and work anywhere else in the country, anywhere else in the world, and he had no desire to.

He always wanted to be in Pensacola and give back to Pensacola.

And that's what the foundation and for a loving wife, Esther, are all about.

Interesting thing that I read about the early days of the foundation, millions of dollars given to various organizations.

And then after his passing in 2021, more emphasis placed on the Fred Levan Way fest.

But interestingly, your grandparents met at the University of Florida, and from what I read in the book, Josh Young saying that your grandfather thought, well, she was maybe ten steps above.

Right?

But they met and they got married, had a fairy tale romance.

But one of the things that he would say was he would regret sometimes how much he had to work.

Did he ever talk to you about those things?

He did and he did.

I had the great honor.

So I'm I'm the member of the family that did not go into law.

I'm a registered nurse, and I had the great honor of helping take care of him when he started having some health problems.

Yeah, everybody knows that he he famously beat brain cancer.

And and so I was able to help take care of him while he was doing that.

And so I had a unique opportunity to have some one on one time with him that I didn't necessarily have growing up.

You know, there were there were five of us grandkids are now seven.

And, you know, so everybody was kind of fighting for for grandpa's attention.

But he did talk about that.

He regretted not, you know, missing graduations, missing sports games and that and he always made an effort to try to rectify that as much as he could with my brother and I and and our cousins coming to as many sports games, theater performances for me, anything he possibly could come to, he was there.

One of the things that I really liked about your grandfather, he had such a big heart and he loved people in general.

And I'm coming back to you, Brinson, because we have so many.

Coming up in our next segment, Aaron Watson with the Watson Firm, LLC.

And actually Fred Levin served as a mentor to Aaron Watson.

I mean, he's just grabbing people and loving on them.

One of the things that I also love about your grandfather, he didn't hold on to his money.

He had this saying that he said, give it now while you're living.

What would you say to that?

I mean, that sounds like him.

He he loved to spend and love to spend on others.

You know, he wanted to make sure that he was having a good time, but he was dragging along anyone and everyone who was around him.

And he didn't care if you were a vice president nominee.

He didn't care if you were a world famous quarterback or if you were just the person that happened to be on the street when he was walking by.

He treated everyone the same and he spent his money to help everyone, no matter who they were, which is kind of what the Fred Levin Way Fest was tried to encompass when we all first started it.

So, Jackie, we want our viewers to really get an idea of the experience of attending the Fred Levin Way fest.

Why don't you give us a day in the morning and into the afternoon what a person could expect.

Oh, going right.

It is it is a full day of fun.

My favorite part about the festival is that you don't have to have any money at all to attend free everything.

Everyone gets a meal ticket, you get a free meal, you get a free free treat, either something like a popcorn or an ice cream.

All of the there's over 60 not for profit organizations that are there discussing all of the things that they are doing for the community, giving away necessary items.

I mean, we gave away tens of thousands of diapers, toiletry kit, feminine hygiene kits, dog food.

I can't even think of the list of top of my head.

It's all on the website.

But you come and you just walk through the streets of downtown Pensacola and learn about all of these not for profits and what they're doing for the community.

Maybe there's something that you can use and you and your family can use.

Maybe there's a place that you and your family wish to volunteer your time and you enjoy free, free music, free food, free entertainment.

We had last year, we had races, we had inflatable games, we had face painting for the kids.

It's just it's a ton of fun.

It's you're going to have a good time.

Well, I believe you because W.S.

sorry, PBS kids on site.

Yes.

And we certainly love that.

Our general manager, Jill Hubbs and there were some amazing sights and sounds.

Speakers like Roy Jones Jr Aluminum May and others and in and around the Pensacola area, singing, dancing, as you said, Brennan, I know that you love it.

So do you mirror what your sister is saying regarding the experience?

Oh, it's a it's a once in a lifetime and one of a kind experience.

And I say that because each year we're trying to get better than what we did the year before.

This next year will be our fourth year.

And each year is something different, not only because it grows from 3000 to 5000.

We had 10,000 people this past year, but in what we're trying to do and I completely echo what my sister says, which is that it's a it's a wonderful experience and wonderful time because you just don't see so many people in one area who are all there for the same reason, which is to enjoy each other's company, to enjoy the weather, and to be there to help each other and to find what they need.

And as you say that I'm thinking back to 2021 when I heard about your grandfather's passing and he is such an amazing person and I'm using is because he's in my heart in the hearts and minds of so many as I know.

But he would definitely be so proud of the legacy.

I know that you have recollections you hear from people that attend the Fred Levin Way fest.

Give us an example or two of maybe somebody that you've run into a story that you've heard.

Hey, just out and about at the festival.

Well, I'll give you I'll give you two stories.

You asked for a couple, one I'll give from a vendor.

Okay.

We had a vendor that was reluctant because what we did, we when we really focused on putting everything together for this festival, we went to all the community organizations that were coming in and we asked them, what do you the people who you serve need?

Right?

We didn't want to dictate what we thought was needed.

We wanted the people on the ground to tell us.

And so one thing that we heard constantly was toilet paper.

And so we'd ask an outside organization coming in to provide it.

And they were upset.

At first they thought no one's going to come, and they ended up serving at that time, 10,000 rolls on that same day.

And so they came up to us afterwards and they said, We really feel special because we didn't realize people needed this.

And people were coming saying that they were out of toilet paper and couldn't afford it because they had other bills and they just realized that this was a necessity that the people absolutely were without.

And so hearing that story was wonderful because they realized what how important the event was on the other end.

You know, I think my sister was the one who actually told me this story.

But we had children in line for ice cream and they went up and they expected, like in other events where you get free free ice cream that you go up to the truck and there's what regular people can get who can pay and the scoop for those that can't.

And then when the person at the food truck said, no, whatever you want, you can have.

She was just elated and excited and couldn't believe it and was able to get whatever she wanted.

And just seeing that sort of joy out of the people who are coming to our event is also something that just is priceless.

We think about at the height of the COVID pandemic toilet paper, the headlines that we saw people could acquire it, right?

Jackie So we don't take these things for granted, do we?

And when we're able to reach beyond ourselves, to help others, free food, to entertainment prizes, talk about some of the prizes, the giveaways I know that people are are amazed when they find out, wow, I get free food and then there's something extra.

Yes.

So the prizes are that is my mom and my aunts.

That is their their baby is the the prize well started out is as a small prize area.

It is now the entire first floor of the garage at 11, the parking garage, 11 Papantonio Rafferty and throughout the year, my mom and my aunts are scouring Facebook marketplace bargain stores, sales to find toys.

One thing that they had heard from one of the children's organizations, I can't recall which one was that something that children got a lot of were used.

Toys.

Is a during toy drives people bring in a gently used and with the best intentions but that for a lot of of underprivileged children that they've never had a brand new toy and that just broke our hearts and so my mom and my aunts were like, well, we're going to make sure that no child leaves a Fred loving wife without a brand new toy.

So throughout the year, like I said, they buy dolls and we have a warehouse filled with toys and tablets and arts and crafts projects and science experiments.

You know, anything that you could possibly want for kids of all ages, all genders, interests who come in.

And as a family, you need to visit a certain number of booths, collect those.

You you go around and you collect stickers or stamps on a a festival passport.

And once you do that, you bring it to the prize redemption area and each child gets to pick out a gift, whatever, whatever they'd like, brand new gift to go home.

And if and I'll just add on the whole reason for this event was to try to figure out a way to bring attention to all of the organization in our community that help our community.

And we thought what was the way that we could get people there who might be able to donate their time or money as well as people there that might need these items.

And so what we did for the people that just want they could donate time and money is we made it a fun festival that they would want to come down to in downtown Pensacola.

For those that may need something, we said, let's make sure that everything is provided and give you the opportunity to go to all these places.

And if you do, then you get these wonderful toys as well.

And I love it.

Thank you both.

Oh, so very much.

What a pleasure and an honor to have you on this show, Folks.

We're having an amazing time highlighting some exceptional events.

That's why I'd like to take a moment to pay homage to Dr. Tony Anderson Steele, outgoing chair of Pensacola State College's Black History Multicultural Committee.

She held her last event at the college a short time ago.

With over 20 years of service to PSC and the community.

We want to share some highlights from PSC Juneteenth event that she spearheaded.

As we head to break, always remember how much your hard work is appreciated.

Dr. Tony Anderson Steele, much love.

We'll be back right after this.

Hello, everyone.

You just saw some amazing slides from CS Juneteenth celebration, but now we're expanding the joy by highlighting the Watson Family Foundation's third annual Juneteenth event, a family reunion for the culture.

Get ready for some captivating revelations and a few surprises.

I'm happy to introduce Kimberly Watson, vice president of the Watson Firm, LLC.

She's joined by her husband, attorney Erin Watson, the founder of the law firm.

Plus, it's a pleasure to welcome Fallon Burlington, the brains behind soulful movement, Spirit of Excellence.

Now we'll find out more about that in just a bit.

But Kimberly, let's start with you so I was perusing a beautiful Bella magazine article, and in it it talks about how you and your husband came up with the idea for this Juneteenth celebration.

But I, I read that you were the one that presented it because you wanted to do more.

So tell us the the reasoning behind that.

Yeah.

So my husband and I were always thinking about ways to give back to the community.

So we were having it, we were brainstorming.

We were having a meeting at our office, and then I brought up the idea of, Oh, why don't we throw a Juneteenth festival?

I would see it in all these major cities.

And at the time they had just became a federal holiday.

So I was like, this is something we can do for the community to.

Give back, give back scholarships.

Highlight local businesses, and that's exactly what we do.

Now, here's the thing.

You are so savvy.

So is this your number three now?

Location, location, location.

We hear that all the time right here in my family, that means a lot.

So the location, Museum Plaza, which I think is prime.

Your thoughts about that and how that came together?

So that came together because we partnered with UW Earth Historic Trust.

They offered us that space because they believed in what we were doing.

And then it was also it's also symbolic because it's behind the Wentworth Museum where they used to have KKK cross and everything in that museum.

So, you know, black people weren't allowed in that area, right?

Yeah, Back then and now we're able to celebrate freedom and everything in that space.

Speaking of freedom, Aaron, you got up at the celebration you gave a little historical perspective.

Yeah.

Regarding Juneteenth, why don't you give us a little snapshot?

Yeah, snapshot.

You know, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, you know?

And I every American celebrates and enjoys freedom.

That's something that we can all celebrate.

And so it's a celebration of the good news when, you know, the union troops came down to Texas and told the remaining slaves who were still weren't working, you know, they hadn't received the news yet that they were free, that, hey, you know, there's a proclamation.

You don't have to work here unless you work for pay.

Now you're free.

And so as a celebration of that good news.

But here's the thing.

So you're partnering with your beautiful wife, and I have to read something on social media.

Kim, you might laugh.

He was first in the friendzone.

He has elevated another realm.

I don't.

Know.

I rather I smile because I like that.

Yeah.

I was in the front row.

He jumped in good friends to another resistance.

Face off.

Yeah.

Oh, yeah, persistence does.

But listen, the fact that you are able to work so well together speaks volumes because you share the love in the mission and you're just seeking ways to better our community.

Speaking of which, that's where you come into play.

Fallon Now, Fallon, not only did soulful movement, Spirit of Excellence dancers, I'm going to talk a little bit more about that in just a moment.

They performed at the Juneteenth celebration, but also in our P.S.

Juneteenth celebration and a host of many, many other events and the college has put on over the years.

So tell us about the dancers about the name and how that came to fruition.

So soulful movement started in 2017 on the start from church ministry, and I wanted to give the community something, you know, you know, teach kids that are underprivileged, fine arts that may not be able to afford fine art technique.

So that's how it started.

And then we just branched out, started being more in the community involved, more in the community and including kids from all aspects of life.

We're going to unveil something really exciting in just a moment.

But I've got to come back to you because, listen, Pensacola State College was so happy to be a part of the event and our first ever scholarship recipient, I mean, we were just so honored that you thought about us.

Right.

Regarding scholarship.

But Lakeisha Ball is her name.

And she wrote about the Reverend H. K MATTHEWS, a very prominent civil rights leader in our area.

And I teach in the business department at Pensacola State College.

And ironically, Lakisha is a student in the business department.

So if you're watching Lakisha, I might have you as a.

Student later on.

But getting back to the scholarship, not only did you award one to a PSC student, but also a university was Florida student named Sidney Ryan.

I just love the fact that these students were given an opportunity with inflation and people struggling to I don't know, sometimes even buy groceries.

And some ponder the idea of an education and how that's going to come about.

But we are just over the moon with excitement regarding that.

But we have to talk about some other things, Aaron, because normally every year when I've been there, I see you walking around either you have your phone or a camera or something.

You're getting video, you're taking pictures.

I want us to go down a little bit of I call a laundry list of of what people experience that day.

Of course, we were at our table loving it.

Yeah, but whole.

Hog got to talk about a whole.

Hog.

So certainly, you know, Kim and I go live every year, and I was just showing you the video.

It was 68,000 views on that video.

It was crazy, you know.

But we invite some of our friends to come out and and with several business owner owners, food trucks.

But the the one that's my favorite is the whole hog.

You know, I mean, it's is the pig with the apple in the mouth and they they smoke it I think all night you know and so when that when it's ready to serve we do a presentation it's like a Juneteenth tradition and it's free, you know, to everybody that comes out and listen when that that whole came out.

Rameca, when it was so good.

On the side, hopefully.

Yeah.

The smoke just permeated it all throughout.

It was, it was some of the best meat I've had, but it was great, great experience.

Listen, sweet potato pie.

Listen, a pumpkin pie can't hold a candle to a sweet potato pie for me.

I'm sorry.

I was just saying.

I mean, I love my sweet potato pie.

You had a wonderful contest.

Now, there was also something interesting this year.

Family feud.

Wow.

Talk about that.

I love family.

Yeah.

So?

So Family Feud was one of Kym's ideas.

Let me tell you something.

The entire Juneteenth plan, when I when I come home, Kim has a laptop around and she's planning, working, you know, and she mentioned to me I want to do Family Feud this year.

And I'm like, Family Feud, you know, And she happened to find an actual set up for it and got the deejay with the TV screen and put it all together.

And it was amazing.

I mean, you know, you know, the families enjoyed it answering trivia questions.

It was a great, great event this year.

Well, Kim, segueing right from what you're saying, Erin, I noticed that we had African clothing vendors.

I saw some fresh lemonade.

Listen, popcorn.

I love some popcorn.

Yeah, all the food trucks, too.

They came out in support.

Why don't you talk about some of the other vendors and organizations that were there?

Yeah.

So there was.

A lot of different African-American owned businesses.

We had, like, family ties, some, you know, local favorites, Man on the go.

We had a lot of different vendors like the African Clothing vendor.

Yes.

You mentioned and this is one of her dresses, by the way.

Yes.

She has an amazing staff.

And she travels all.

The way from Liberia to bring those items there.

So we just try to highlight a lot of local businesses.

Well, I saw this when I said I better strike while the iron hot.

Yes, I will.

Grab it before I do.

I know, but community partnership now, the city of Pensacola.

I saw the mayor out there, right?

Yeah, there is, I think.

Hi.

How you doing?

Mean he was making the rounds for everyone else, but there were kids.

Let's talk about the children, because we had PBS kids at our ten kids out there.

They're throwing balls and they're having fun and they're riding on the sidewalk with their chalk.

But the jump castles, right?

Yeah, and the kids zone.

So you want to expand a little bit on that because we had the face painting and other elements.

Yeah, we had face painting.

We had interactive blue blocks over there, Obstacle course.

We also gave away free books.

There was free educational resources, so we tried to make it a place that was fun for the kids and they were also receiving some sort of educational tools as well.

And the characters who were out there.

Yeah, we had a lot of characters.

Princess Tiana Oh yeah.

Princess Oh, so gorgeous, right?

Yeah.

Beautiful attire.

Yeah.

Now, speaking of kings and queens, we'll call you all King Queen, but let's talk about Fred Levin for just a moment.

Yeah, because our previous segment highlighted what's happening in that realm.

Now, I mentioned in the previous segment that Fred Levin was your mentor, but you have a little something that you would like to add to that story.

So why don't you?

Yeah, you know, Fred, to work with him and to try cases with him was a dream of mine.

You know, I remember when I first my first few days there when he came in my office and said, I want to mentor you, you know, And, you know, it's like Michael Jordan or somebody coming in saying, Hey, I want to show you how to play basketball, you know?

And he took me underneath his wing, you know, when when I proposed to camp, Fred took me to the jewelry store, you know, and him, he didn't bartering, but he but he walked there with me.

He was at my wedding.

He was at my grand opening, you know, when I opened the Watson firm.

And so, you know, we've had chances to try cases together.

You know, I've got some funny stories there, but I.

Might circle back.

I'll save them.

But a very, very dear friend, mentor, you know, And I think of them often.

I have a picture in my office of him right now.

Amazing.

Now, Fallon, we have to unpack the situation was soulful movement spirit of excellent.

I heard.

Now this is me on social media and I'm scrolling.

I hear something about a trip to Atlanta.

Tell us about the invitation, what happened and where you are now.

So I've been wanting to do how sweet the sound since 2017.

And what what is it exactly?

Is actually the gospel competition is America's number one gospel competition.

They have choirs, large choirs, small choir soloists, spoken word artists in praise.

Nancy So I just happened to submit a video just to see because I see it as a long shot.

But I did.

And then I got the approval letter on my word email and I'm like, What?

The world.

I was so ecstatic about it because we got select out of 900 teens release and why they sold Why?

Yes.

I will tell you, fellas, we have some amazing footage of, the dancers, and I want you to talk about the dancers.

And I'm sure that we'll have this video footage, but just tell us about who they are and why they decided to be a part of this.

Oh, they were all voluntarily involved.

Like all Christian, he is the male dancer.

Yes, the male male.

So he is in the reserves.

He also is an adult.

So he just he came as part of our program back in 2018.

His mother kept inviting me on Facebook.

Can you please coach my son?

I keep please coach my son.

And I've only dealt with female dancers.

So I told his mom no a few times.

His mom assistance.

Yes, yes, yes.

Just bring them.

So Christian is one of my long term dancers that.

Yes.

So now the song Deliver Me that they Dance to during their performance.

It was a show stopper.

Talk a little bit about that.

So they have a list that you have to pick from.

So Deliver me was one it was on our audition video.

So that's one of the songs that we picked, but we had to pick from five other songs, so that happened to be the one that they picked.

There were five other songs that we have been chosen for, but they just randomly picked it.

Now here's the thing.

How long did you have to prepare?

They picked the song and then we already ministered to it, audience to it.

Prior to.

So it was easy, thank God.

But they had like a hundred songs.

So most of them we've danced to before.

And I tried to pick the ones that we already kind of knew.

So what was the timeframe between you realizing you had to deliver me and then the competition?

They gave us a lot of time, thank God.

But they told us in January what the song was going to be.

And, you know, of course it wasn't until June that the competition happened and he won a cash award.

And listen, on TV, sky's the limit.

I know.

Yes.

So we will definitely stay tuned for that.

Now, Kimberly, back to you, because I know that you hear stories of people who have attended the Juneteenth and then and have also been it's been heard from the Watson Family Foundation.

There's the turkey giveaway, right?

Yeah, the backpack giveaway.

So there's much more.

Yes.

We want to talk about that a little.

Yes.

I mean, like you said, we give away a thousand.

Turkeys in.

Size each year, hands.

We've given away scholarships not only at the on our Juneteenth festival, but back to school scholarships.

We've done like essay contest and given away school supplies and laptops.

We have a long way coming up soon, you know.

All right.

I hope you're listening out there.

Laptop giveaway.

I like the word free.

I know they do.

Two laptops, just one laptop.

All right.

So mentorship, Aaron, and I know that's a part of the Watson Family Foundation.

Definitely.

That you had your mentor.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You know, I think mentorship is just important.

You know, it's important for people to see success, you know, just like you look on TV and you see celebrities out there and football players, I make it a point to make sure that I'm visible, just like Fred was visible to me.

Willie Gary was visible to me so that they can see that if you can do it, if I did it, you can do it too.

So it's very important.

I like that.

And that can do attitude.

Yeah.

Zoom Memories of Fred 11 right over here.

Now you can do it.

I can do it.

Yes.

Words of encouragement now out of 900.

Right.

You were selected and then you won.

So what would you tell someone who's scratching their heads?

Should I submit?

Can I have faith?

Her faith in God is giving you this.

The the thing that I obdurate myself on our moment.

My motto is, this is a move and I always am.

If I feel it in my heart to do it, I'll do it.

And I won't let anybody tell me I can't do anything because I am a overcomer.

And Kim, what about a couple of words of wisdom?

Just something brief for anybody out there who's seeking a goal.

When I started the Juneteenth Festival, I never planned a festival before.

So I would say if you have a goal to just go after it, take put one foot in front of the other.

And if you're passionate about it, you'll make it happen.

And it has happened.

And Aaron.

All right.

Coming into your world, talk about listen, advice, right?

Yeah.

Yeah.

You know, I had the opportunity to work with some great people.

You know, I was thinking about you mentioned Fred.

Fred and I had a case together where we lost, you know, and I remember him saying, Hey, we're going to go back in there and try the case again.

We tried it again and won, you know, and I think about Fred saying, you know, keep pushing.

You can you can do anything that you set your mind to you in overcomer, you know, And so, you know, cheers to him.

All right.

And cheers to all.

Is.

Well.

We appreciate you so much.

Now, folks, I'd like to thank all of our guests for joining us.

I'm Rameca Vincent Leary.

Remember to keep it locked in right here on WSRE PBS for the Gulf Coast.

So.