Wellington is kicking off Black History Month with an event that brings together leaders from Palm Beach County’s Black community to share their experiences and help inspire others.

The inaugural Black History Month Leadership Forum will feature nearly a dozen speakers from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd.

The forum provides an opportunity to engage with the speakers, ask questions and build relationships, Wellington said in a news release.

Speakers include:

• McDonald’s franchisee Ricky Wade of “B”ing the Best Inc., with 30 restaurants in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties
• Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker
• Palm Beach County School District Chief Operating Officer Joe Sanches
• Dr. Brian Coleman, orthopedic surgeon
• Medical entrepreneur Alan Bottorff
• Palm Beach Central High School Principal Darren Edgecomb
• Dr. Colette Brown-Graham, OB-GYN with Complete Healthcare for Women
• Brian and Cassandra Oliver, owners of KWA Group Branding
• Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker
• Grasford Smith, attorney with Akerman LLP and president-elect of the Palm Beach County Bar Association

The forum will be moderated by Palm Beach County School Board member Marcia Andrews and Marcia Hayden, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter president and Wellington Education Committee member.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 561-753-2484 or go to www.wellingtonfl.gov/events.

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