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‘I’m a believer in sharing these stories:’ Central Florida historian shares her story for Women’s History Month
Read full article: ‘I’m a believer in sharing these stories:’ Central Florida historian shares her story for Women’s History MonthYou can call her a walking history book. Born and raised in Apopka, Francina Boykin said her mission is to continue educating about the historical events that have occurred right in our backyard.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in quarantine after exposure to COVID-19
Read full article: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in quarantine after exposure to COVID-19ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is self-quarantining after being exposed to someone who recently tested positive for the coronavirus. Dyer was unable to attend Monday’s COVID-19 news briefing along with other Orange County leaders, including Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, because he is in self-quarantine. [TRENDING: Eta drenches Florida | 2 killed in Orange County crash | Biden names COVID-19 task force]The Orange County mayor said with Dyer in quarantine, it is an important reminder that the virus “is still alive and well here within this community." “I am feeling well at the moment and continue to exhibit no symptoms,” Dyer said. Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz also announced over the weekend he tested positive for COVID-19.
Memorial honors victims of Ocoee Massacre
Read full article: Memorial honors victims of Ocoee MassacreOCOEE, Fla. – It’s been 100 years since the Ocoee Massacre. City and county leaders organized a memorial ceremony to recognize the victims and descendants of the killings which drove the black community out of Ocoee. A mob of white men lynched Perry, set fire to homes in the black community, and forced families out of the city. A hundred years after the deadliest Election Day community members and faith leaders gathered in remembrance of victims and descendants of the massacre. Kenneth Thompson is a descendant of victims killed during the massacre and was in attendance for the ceremony.
100 years after Ocoee Massacre city leaders apologize, honor victims
Read full article: 100 years after Ocoee Massacre city leaders apologize, honor victimsOCOEE, Fla. – Ocoee city leaders signed an apology letter Wednesday more than 100 years after Black people were killed in the Ocoee Massacre fighting for their right to vote. Many of the stories of the Ocoee Massacre went untold for a century. The great grand-niece of July Perry, one of the men killed during the Ocoee Massacre, said she appreciates the apology but believes there’s still way more to be done. “I am asking for a change.”McWhite went on to say those changes could include more acknowledgement and respect for what happened in Ocoee. Read more about the events hosted by the city of Ocoee to pay tribute to the Black people killed in the Ocoee Massacre here.
Ocoee Massacre: City marks 100 years since deadly Election Day
Read full article: Ocoee Massacre: City marks 100 years since deadly Election DayThe Ocoee Massacre, the day when dozens of African-Americans were killed by a white mob after Moses Norman tried to legally cast his ballot in the city. On Monday, Orlando and Orange County leaders met with descendants of the victims killed in the tragedy at a new exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center. “To know that a loved one was lynched, for no reason -- senseless -- that is not something that you talk about day to day,” McWhite said. On Wednesday, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings declared Nov. 2 as “The Descendants of the Ocoee Massacre: Honoring their Ancestors Day” in Orange County. Ron DeSantis also issued a proclamation designating Nov. 2, 2020 as 1920 Ocoee Election Day Massacre Remembrance Day in Florida.
New Orange County History Center exhibit showcases Ocoee Massacre 100 years after violence
Read full article: New Orange County History Center exhibit showcases Ocoee Massacre 100 years after violenceORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In addition to Election Day, Florida is just days away from marking 100 years since an important yet dark moment in Central Florida’s history: The Ocoee Massacre. A new exhibit, entitled “Yesterday this was Home” at the Orange County Regional History Center showcases the events that surround the Ocoee Massacre. “The Ocoee Massacre is a really dynamic event to talk about,” she said. “One of the hardest things about the Ocoee Massacre is how many versions of the story exist. The exhibit comes after a strong push throughout the state to raise awareness on the Ocoee Massacre, including mandating the events be taught in Florida schools.
Ocoee community celebrates bill signing of July Perry Memorial Highway
Read full article: Ocoee community celebrates bill signing of July Perry Memorial HighwayOCOEE, Fla. The road between Winters Landing Drive and Clarke Road along State Road 438 will now be known as Julius July Perry Memorial Highway. Ron DeSantis signed SB-78 approving the honorary road designation that pays homage to one of the Ocoee Massacres notable victims. The event happened nearly 100 years ago when 50 Black men were shot and killed as they tried to exercise their right to vote. Mose Norman was among one of the Black men trying to get to the polls and was determined not to return home without his vote being counted. Sen. Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee) proposed the bill to help spread the story of the Ocoee Massacre and to acknowledge the history that is woven into the towns fabric.
We will vote, by God!' How the Ocoee Massacre sparked local legislation nearly 100 years later
Read full article: We will vote, by God!' How the Ocoee Massacre sparked local legislation nearly 100 years laterIn just a few months, Flordia will mark 100 years since 50 Black men were shot and killed in Ocoee as they sought to exercise their right to vote, a tragic piece of history known as the Ocoee Massacre. One-by-one would-be Black voters were turned away either by threats of violence or by poll workers who found their names mysteriously absent from the voter registration rolls, ZEP reported. Pollsters instructed them to get documentation from notary public R. C. Biegelow to verify that they were indeed registered to vote. A man named Mose Norman was determined not to return home without his vote being counted, so he sought counsel from a local judge after being turned away from his Ocoee precinct. Perry was captured by the KKK, and according to the History Center, and was lynched.