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The Carver Community Center of Florala will present its annual Black History Gala with guest speaker Neal Oates Jr. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 5 p.m., at the Rodney J. Evans Center on Lake Jackson.

Neal is the son of Patrica Oates and the late Neal Oates. He grew up in Florala and is currently residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Neal is a successful businessman and motivational speaker and is a graduate of Troy State University. He has engagements across the country speaking to audiences large and small. Neal encourages business owners to become business leaders, and he shows his clients how to identify and break through all barriers and challenges, overcome doubt, and explore all possible roads to success,” a press release said.

The release added that Neal has a purpose to connect with his audience when he speaks.

“His goal for each engagement is to speak to the hearts of his audience. He uses a combination of passion, laughter, and common-sense conversations, to help his audience become empowered and equipped to experience new levels of success.”

In addition, the gala will include food, fun, music, and dancing. The dress for the event is “after 5 glitz.” Adult tickets are $30 and $10 for school-aged children.

To purchase tickets call Hazel Bryant at 334-328-8952 or any member of the center’s executive board.

Carver Community Center of Florala is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving the local communities of Florala and Lockhart as well as Flowersview in Florida. One activity offered by the center is the ABC Club (Amazingly Beautiful Children’s Club).

“Each Sunday, we engage school-age children in learning and fun activities including learning business by baking and selling cookies, making paracord bracelets for sale, going on fun and educational trips, and more. The goal is to help prepare the children to navigate life successfully. Additionally, the Carver’s Young Men and Women of Destiny holds a dance class for one hour every Sunday with minister Frank Jones as the director,” Bryant said.

Each month on the first Saturday, Carver serves the senior community by providing a complimentary meal. Other activities for attendees are planned throughout the week.

“This is a delicious and healthy meal free of charge. We have eat-in, take-out, or delivery options for those who are homebound. Our program has grown from 18 to around 100 people now. When we are not offering our meals, we have other activities including sewing lessons each Wednesday, a fun Friday, and line dancing for adults,” she added.

The Carver Community Center is located at 2453 Martin Luther King Street in Florala.

For more information visit carvercommunity.org, email carvercenterflorala@gmail.com, or call 253-327-3842.