My journey of Black History in Orlando began for two reasons. First I needed a DIY Mom Camp week for this summer. Second, I am admittedly a bit obsessed with Bessie Coleman.
She has been one of my favorite Black History figures for many years. So to find that she has a Central Florida connection blew my mind!
As I dug into local history, I realized there are more than enough stops to make this lesson a journey! I’m so excited to share it with you.
This Orlando Black History journey can be done in as little as 3 days or spread out to cover a week, depending on your family’s level of get up and go!
I hope to see you at one of these stops soon!
In preparation for your Black History in Orlando week:
Download and print this activity chart to keep track of your progress!
Most importantly, read something the night before. Select something that is in the age range of your child first and foremost!
However, if this book fits your family I highly recommend it! I selected this one specifically because I have met this amazing lady. She is still fighting the good fight around Orlando! I wanted to make sure the kids could understand that this problem is not as old or as long ago as they may think. This book was also a great way to begin to discuss redlining and the prevalence of “black” and “white” parts of a town.
Black History in Orlando: Day 1
I began the morning by asking the kids if they had any questions about what we read the night before. This naturally began a discussion that will lay the groundwork for day one of discovering Black history in Orlando!
Drive to Tinker Field
This place is marked distinctively for being the place that MLK spoke on his only stop through Orlando. It is also a great lesson on the integration of baseball! They have some of the original seats from the baseball field there for you to sit in.
The drive from Tinker Field to Wells Built will take you through the OBT/Parramore area. As you approach Division St. (so named for being the dividing line of residence for blacks and whites in Orlando) discuss the implications of redlining based on what you see.
Tour the Wells Built Museum
This amazing vintage building was the only place for many stars to stay while in town entertaining the masses. I will let the historians at this gem give you the low down!!
Chandra Says: Do the bonus viewing of Roots during this week! In my opinion, it is the most comprehensive storytelling of the Black experience (without being super gory) and also- a Black folk tradition to watch!
Black History in Orlando: Day 2
The History Center
We start here because it’s a great way to spend an afternoon! My favorite part is the courtroom. The reason I was able to add this stop is because the museum highlights Bessie Coleman as part of an aviation exhibit. This is where the kids are introduced to her story!
Chandra Says: Use your Orlando library card to access the Local Wanderer program and you +4 people enter the History Center FREE!!
You can explain the Central Florida connection on the way to drive by Mt. Zion, the site of her Florida funeral. Here is information about her Central Florida connection you can print.
Drive-by | The Beeman Bubblegum House
This is where Edwin Beeman Jr. lived. He was the sponsor who made it possible to bring her plane to Florida to perform in what would have been her final show. This article by Bungalower explains its local lore. In my opinion, the ‘something that must have happened’ to have Edwin Jr. leave this home to become a boarding school may have been this connection. I think his sponsorship of Bessie Coleman and her barnstorming was an attempt to reinvigorate the brand’s connection to aviation. The death of Bessie was possibly the death of his desire to bring back the reputation of his father’s gum business.
Drive to Ocoee
We head to Lakeshore Community Center to view the newly placed Ocoee Massacre Marker. This is the conclusion of the discussion about redlining. I was able to discuss the many prosperous black areas that would spring up. Many of these cities and neighborhoods would meet fates similar to Ocoee’s for a variety of different “reasons”.
Bonus:
Add a trip on the Sunrail to one of your downtown days! The Wells Built and The History Center are within walking distance.
Black History in Orlando: Day 3
Eatonville
World renown for being the birthplace of Zora Neale Hurston, this is where you can soak all that in!
Visit The Hurston museum, which is fully dedicated to her.
St. Lawrence AME is Eatonville’s first Black church.
The Mosley House was built by the town’s founder.
Hannibal Square
Make it a Weekend:
Pack up the family and head to the beach! Keep the journey going with the story of Mary McLeod Bethune, and the importance of HBCU’s!
Further Resources
Check out some Florida-wide Black History stops.
The Visit Orlando site has a great beginning guide I’m happy to report!
Until next time!
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Chandra Says: Girl, Get Going!
