Orlando’s first Black community was founded by former slaves Jonestown was about a mile east of what’s now downtown Orlando Updated: Tags: 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.