In Lakeland's first 100 years, some Blacks who were born, raised or lived in the city were talented entertainers.   They were singers, musicians, and actors and actresses.

 

The following of a few of the notable Blacks who were born or lived in Lakeland during the first centennial.

 

Adderley, Nathaniel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darrington, Quentin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evans, Faith

 

 

 

 

 

Grace, April

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A renown jazz musician and composer who lived in Lakeland.  He mastered the trumpet and clarinet .  He also was the younger brother of the great saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley and worked with the likes of Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis and John Coltrane.  He also served on the faculty of Florida Southern College.

 

Quentin Darrington was born in Lakeland, in 1977.  He is a phenomenal stage actor.  He has toured in over 40 US States, Canada and Europe.  He made his Broadway debut as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime.

 

An accomplished singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress born in Lakeland.  She was married to the late New York rapper Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace.

 

An accomplished actress who starred in blockbuster shows including How to Get Away with Murder, Star Trek: The Next Generation, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Constantine, Sons of Anarchy, I Am Legend, A Good Day to Die Hard, The Hunger Games - Mockingjay, The X- Files, Behind Enemy Lines II: Axis of Evil, Grey's Anatomy and Boston Legal.

 

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