Focus on Manatee: Celebrate lifetime achievements of civil rights leader on Nov. 16
In a couple weeks, the Bradenton area proudly will welcome a truly iconic civil rights leader to the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton for a once-in-a-lifetime event that will celebrate one of the most-remarkable women of our time and connect residents and guests to our nation’s history.
On Nov. 16, the Bradenton Area Film Commission will present a Lifetime Achievement Celebration for Dr. Xernona Clayton, which will include a viewing of the documentary “A Life to Remember,” followed by a meet and greet and book signing.
Clayton is the creator of the Trumpet Awards, which have highlighted African-American accomplishments and contributions for 25 years and have been televised annually in more than 185 countries. She also served as a CNN executive for 31 years and was the first African-American in the South to have her own television show.
But before Clayton established these awards and took to the screen, she served many other important roles that shaped her into one of the most notable activists of our times.
Clayton was an associate of Martin Luther King Jr., aided greatly in the desegregation of Atlanta hospitals and was instrumental in combating the Ku Klux Klan in the south. In fact, in 1968, “Grand Dragon” denounced the Klan, crediting her influence.
She has received countless awards for her leadership and fight against racial intolerance and the Bradenton area is honored to be hosting this event.
The event opens to the public at 6 p.m. and, though admission is free, those wishing to donate to the Xernona Clayton Foundation will be invited to do so when they RSVP. Tickets can be reserved at ManateePlayers.com.
Opportunities to meet leaders such as Clayton do not come around often, so please join the Bradenton Area Film Commission for this celebration of her achievements. It will be one to remember.
Elliott Falcione is the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and can be reached at Elliott.Falcione@BACVB.com or 941-729-9177, ext. 3940.
This story was originally published October 29, 2017 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Focus on Manatee: Celebrate lifetime achievements of civil rights leader on Nov. 16."