Orlando’s first Black community was founded by former slaves
Jonestown was about a mile east of what’s now downtown Orlando
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Parramore residents want to preserve history as area grows
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – As we celebrate Black History Month, News 6 is reflecting on some of Central Florida’s deep roots, including what’s recognized as Orlando’s first Black community.
According to the city of Orlando, Jonestown was not an official city when it was founded in 1880.
Then, Jonestown was a 12-block community inhabited by Blacks near the banks of Fern Creek and Greenwood Cemetery.
The town was named after Sam Jones and his wife, Penny, who are recognized as its first residents. Little is known about these early African-American settlers, aside from the fact that they were once slaves.
On Jan. 15 Michael Perkins retired from his a job as director of the Orange County Regional History Center. His departure closes a 26-year career of educating folks about our area’s past, a history that surprises some newcomers who may have had the mistaken notion that Central Florida began with Walt Disney World.
Historic Dr. King visit to Orlando nearly lost to history
Why was there so little coverage of King’s only visit?
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ORLANDO, Fla. – People around the country will pause to remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The civil rights icon’s actual birthday is Jan. 15. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill designating the holiday be observed on the third Monday of January. It came 15 years after King was assassinated.
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King was a man known around the world. A visit to your city from the civil rights leader put the city on notice that change was about to happen.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is honored Jan. 18 this year, resulting in a three-day weekend for many students and workers. Here are ways to enjoy and honor the holiday weekend in the Orlando area.
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