Bradenton residents celebrated for their success through photo documentary project

BRADENTON -- A real estate agent.

A clinical social worker.

A barber.

In all, the faces of 25 success stories were displayed on easels Friday evening in the 13th Ave Dream Center during a special art exhibit hosted by photographer Travis Pendergrass.

Pendergrass, who lives in Palmetto, photographed 25 individuals he considers successful urban community members to inspire Manatee County residents and showcase the living dream of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He also screened the "Living Dream Photo Documentary," which was made possible through a $4,975 grant Pendergrass received last month from State College of Florida.

"I hope that this project really inspires a lot of people and shows the younger adults and the younger youth in here the possibilities of being successful, the different routes we can go," Pendergrass said to attendees.

The photographer screened the documentary he created featuring community members speaking about success achieved and obstacles overcome.

Speakers in the doc included Manatee County Commissioner Charles B. Smith and Terrence Green, co-owner of TNT's Beauty and Barber Salon, who recently received the Small Business Award at the 23rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet.

After the event, clinical social worker Derrick Randall, 37, said being included was a milestone.

"It's a great honor to be respected and acknowledged in your community where you grew up and where you love and you care for everyone," she said.

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter@AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 10:28 PM with the headline "Bradenton residents celebrated for their success through photo documentary project ."