At Marcadis Singer, PA, we take pride in supporting our community and celebrating its vibrant history. Our partner, Gilbert (Gil) Singer, was recently featured in the Tampa Bay Times for his role in sharing the inspiring story of his late friend, Jessie Hill, and the lasting impact Hill had on Tampa’s iconic Gasparilla celebrations.
The article, titled “Gasparilla’s Forgotten Founding Father”, dives deep into the life of Jessie Hill, a man whose visionary leadership helped shape Tampa’s history and culture. While many know Gasparilla as an annual pirate-themed spectacle, the article highlights Hill’s often-overlooked contributions to its legacy, making it clear that he was much more than a participant—he was a pioneer.
Gil Singer and the Grand Krewe de Libertalia
In addition to reflecting on Jessie Hill’s enduring legacy, the article also mentions Gil Singer’s founding of the Grand Krewe de Libertalia, a groundbreaking initiative that created Tampa’s first multiracial krewe. This inclusive organization, established as a testament to unity and equality, carved out a significant place in Gasparilla’s rich history by opening doors for diverse representation.
While not members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG), the organization that sponsors the Gasparilla parade, Gil and the Grand Krewe de Libertalia were warmly encouraged by YMKG to participate in the festivities. This support helped to create a vibrant and inclusive celebration that remains a hallmark of Tampa’s cultural fabric.
Continuing the Legacy
Gasparilla remains a cornerstone of Tampa’s cultural identity, and stories like Jessie Hill’s and the Grand Krewe de Libertalia’s remind us of the importance of community, vision, and collaboration in creating something enduring. As a firm deeply rooted in Tampa, we at Marcadis Singer, PA, are proud to see our partner contribute to this meaningful dialogue and celebrate the history that makes our city so unique.
We invite you to read the full article in the Tampa Bay Times here (opens in a new tab).
Preserving Tampa’s Stories, Together
At Marcadis Singer, PA, we understand the value of heritage, tradition, and the individuals who make a lasting impact on their communities. Gil’s involvement in this feature reflects not only his deep connection to Tampa’s history but also our firm’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the stories that shape our shared future.