WATCH LIVE: Eatonville discusses next steps after Hungerford land deal with Dr. Phillips Foundation
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Eatonville discusses next steps after Hungerford land deal with Dr. Phillips FoundationEatonville residents gathered Friday night to discuss the future of the historic Hungerford property and review the town’s updated master plan. The meeting focused on this week’s land purchase agreement between Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and the Dr. Phillips Foundation.
Bobby Cain, a member of the Clinton 12 who helped integrate Tennessee high schools in 1956, has died
Read full article: Bobby Cain, a member of the Clinton 12 who helped integrate Tennessee high schools in 1956, has diedBobby Cain, who helped integrate one of the first high schools in the South in 1956 as one of the Clinton 12, has died in Nashville.
Juneteenth started with handbills proclaiming freedom. Here's what they said
Read full article: Juneteenth started with handbills proclaiming freedom. Here's what they saidThe origin of the Juneteenth celebrations marking the end of slavery in the U.S. goes back to an order issued as Union troops arrived in Texas at the end of the Civil War.
Orlando elementary school student’s report sparks Magic icon’s surprise visit
Read full article: Orlando elementary school student’s report sparks Magic icon’s surprise visitSeveral Moss Park Elementary students were starstruck Thursday as they watched Orlando Magic legend Nick Anderson walk into their cafeteria.
As Sen. Geraldine Thompson is mourned, Florida lawmakers make sure her 2025 session proposals are heard
Read full article: As Sen. Geraldine Thompson is mourned, Florida lawmakers make sure her 2025 session proposals are heardState Sen. Geraldine Thompson planned to introduce several bills and budget requests during the annual Florida legislative session, which starts next week. With Thompson’s sudden death earlier this month, her colleagues in the Florida House and Senate are working to make sure those proposals live on.
Legacy of June Bacon-Bercey: Black History Month celebration of her pioneering meteorological career
Read full article: Legacy of June Bacon-Bercey: Black History Month celebration of her pioneering meteorological careerJune Bacon-Bercey was America’s first female broadcast meteorologist, breaking many gender and racial barriers. She didn’t just forecast the weather — she changed the forecast for what women and minorities could achieve in science, broadcasting and beyond.
‘Thank you very much:’ Orlando International Airport honors Tuskegee Airmen with new exhibit
Read full article: ‘Thank you very much:’ Orlando International Airport honors Tuskegee Airmen with new exhibitOrlando International Airport is paying tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of Black pilots in the U.S. Air Force, with a new exhibit.
Theoretical physicist S. James Gates sees the strings tying science to the liberal arts
Read full article: Theoretical physicist S. James Gates sees the strings tying science to the liberal artsDr. S. James Gates, graduate of Orlando's Jones High School, has a storied career trying to explain what ties the universe together. These days, those aren't the only ties he thinks -- and worries -- about.
Eatonville resident receives much-reeded home renovations through community grant
Read full article: Eatonville resident receives much-reeded home renovations through community grantEatonville, a historic Black town, is witnessing a small but significant transformation as a longtime homeowner benefits from a grant aimed at restoring old homes.
Former slaves founded the town that became Melbourne. New Black history museum honors them
Read full article: Former slaves founded the town that became Melbourne. New Black history museum honors themThe new Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek celebrates the rich history of the area, highlighting the contributions of former slaves who founded the city.
Orlando Alphas hosting Black History Month Oratorical Contest
Read full article: Orlando Alphas hosting Black History Month Oratorical ContestThe event, hosted every year by the local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Alumni Chapter in Orlando, pays tribute to Lawson, a fellow member, who was the first Black attorney to win a Supreme Court case.
White House will celebrate Black History Month as some government agencies skip after anti-DEI order
Read full article: White House will celebrate Black History Month as some government agencies skip after anti-DEI orderPresident Donald Trump marked Black History Month at the White House on Thursday by making an appearance at a celebratory reception with a surprise guest, golf legend Tiger Woods, while calling out other athletes in attendance and marveling at the size of the crowd.
‘That flame can’t go out:' Family friends honor Geraldine Thompson’s legacy
Read full article: ‘That flame can’t go out:' Family friends honor Geraldine Thompson’s legacyDr. LaVon W. Bracy, a community leader and author, first met State Sen. Geraldine Thompson in 1969 when they became college roommates. Their friendship, which began when they were both 20 years old, lasted a lifetime. Bracy and her daughter, State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, talked to News 6 about Thompson and her legacy.
State Sen. Geraldine Thompson, Orlando teacher who stood up for Black history in Florida, dies
Read full article: State Sen. Geraldine Thompson, Orlando teacher who stood up for Black history in Florida, diesGeraldine Thompson, who represented Orange County in the Florida House and Senate for almost 20 years, died Thursday, according to several lawmakers who worked with Thompson throughout her career.
Baltimore mayor fights back against attacks on DEI initiatives with ‘Definitely Earned It’ campaign
Read full article: Baltimore mayor fights back against attacks on DEI initiatives with ‘Definitely Earned It’ campaignPresident Donald Trump’s attack on diversity, equity and inclusion programs is leading to pushback from Baltimore's mayor.
Trump White House marks Black History Month while Defense Department declares 'identity months dead'
Read full article: Trump White House marks Black History Month while Defense Department declares 'identity months dead'The Trump White House has issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month around the same time the Defense Department issued guidance declaring “identity months dead.”.
Alumni join forces to fundraise for Bethune-Cookman University gym upgrades
Read full article: Alumni join forces to fundraise for Bethune-Cookman University gym upgradesBethune-Cookman University hopes to make big upgrades to its gymnasium. With limited university funding, current and former basketball players are stepping up to raise $100,000, starting with their games this weekend.
Pentagon agency pauses celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month and more
Read full article: Pentagon agency pauses celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month and moreThe Defense Department intelligence agency has paused observances of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance and other cultural or historical annual events in response to President Donald Trump’s ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal workplace.
📖'More than just a comic book:’ Florida author encourages kids, parents to read with ‘New Kid’ graphic novel
Read full article: 📖'More than just a comic book:’ Florida author encourages kids, parents to read with ‘New Kid’ graphic novelThe Orange County Library System is hosting events as part of the celebration of Zora Neal Hurston’s legacy. One of them, encouraging kids and educators to explore a new(er) type of book genre.
Leaders, pastors gather to honor Orlando’s first Black city council member during annual prayer breakfast
Read full article: Leaders, pastors gather to honor Orlando’s first Black city council member during annual prayer breakfastCivic leaders, pastors, and people from around Central Florida came together early Monday to celebrate and honor the legacies of Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The burial site of the people Andrew Jackson enslaved was lost. The Hermitage says it is found
Read full article: The burial site of the people Andrew Jackson enslaved was lost. The Hermitage says it is foundAt least 26 enslaved people died on the Tennessee plantation of President Andrew Jackson before the end of the Civil War.
Advocates for Hungerford in Eatonville argue land should belong to community
Read full article: Advocates for Hungerford in Eatonville argue land should belong to communityAdvocates with the historic Hungerford property are calling for the Orange County School Board to return the land back to the community for their control, adding that the property is sacred to the town of Eatonville.
Florida task force gives final OK to St. Augustine for Black history museum
Read full article: Florida task force gives final OK to St. Augustine for Black history museumA Florida task force gave final approval to recommend St. Augustine as the top site for a new museum of Black history, but this might not be the end for Eatonville as the potential site.
Did you see Jackie Robinson’s 1946 ballgame in Daytona Beach? Historians want to talk to you
Read full article: Did you see Jackie Robinson’s 1946 ballgame in Daytona Beach? Historians want to talk to youCity officials announced they are trying to apply for a “National Historic Landmark” (NHL) designation for the local Jackie Robinson Ballpark. But they could use some help.
Trailblazing teacher at Bethune-Cookman University turned her struggle into inspiration
Read full article: Trailblazing teacher at Bethune-Cookman University turned her struggle into inspirationThis Black History Month, News 6 is remembering a trailblazer and notable educator who paved the way for future students, instructors, and even Greek life at what's now known as Bethune Cookman University.
‘We can definitely do better:’ Central Florida nonprofit board member hopes to inspire other Black workers
Read full article: ‘We can definitely do better:’ Central Florida nonprofit board member hopes to inspire other Black workersThe six-month program is designed to help local Black leaders drive change on nonprofit boards in the Orlando region.
Democrats and Republicans hold Black History Month celebrations with an eye on November's election
Read full article: Democrats and Republicans hold Black History Month celebrations with an eye on November's electionBlack History Month was celebrated in the nation's capital with dueling events on Tuesday highlighting the divide between Democrats’ and Republicans' approaches to courting Black voters in the 2024 presidential election.
Broadway’s Michael James Scott leads Black History Month celebration at Disney
Read full article: Broadway’s Michael James Scott leads Black History Month celebration at DisneyOrlando native and Broadway sensation Michael James Scott recently headlined Walt Disney World Resort’s Black History Month festivities.
Target stops selling product dedicated to Civil Rights icons after TikTok video shows errors
Read full article: Target stops selling product dedicated to Civil Rights icons after TikTok video shows errorsTarget says it will stop selling a product dedicated to Civil Rights icons after a now-viral TikTok video spotlighted some significant errors.
Jackie Robinson Ballpark undergoing $30M in renovations while preserving history
Read full article: Jackie Robinson Ballpark undergoing $30M in renovations while preserving historyCity officials are pumping $30 million into the historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, with the hopes of keeping its history alive.
‘A national treasure:’ Eatonville celebrates rich Black history, famed author
Read full article: ‘A national treasure:’ Eatonville celebrates rich Black history, famed authorFor the start of Black History Month, News 6 is taking you to the historic town of Eatonville. It is the first self-governing all-black municipality in the country.
Zora! Festival 2024 honors historic Eatonville author with education, celebration
Read full article: Zora! Festival 2024 honors historic Eatonville author with education, celebrationZora Fest 2024 is back and the city is gearing up for a busy weekend as both tourists and residents are taking the time to celebrate and learn more about a prominent local African-American historical figure.
More searching planned at a Florida Air Force base where 121 potential Black grave sites were found
Read full article: More searching planned at a Florida Air Force base where 121 potential Black grave sites were foundThe U.S. Air Force plans to expand its search for grave sites in a former Black cemetery at a base in Florida after discovering 121 potential sites already.
📖Eatonville library celebrates Black history, literary legend Zora Neale Hurston
Read full article: 📖Eatonville library celebrates Black history, literary legend Zora Neale HurstonEach year, the town of Eatonville and the Association to Preserve Eatonville Community hosts the Zora! Fest honoring her life and legacy. Some of the events leading up to the festival are encouraging community members to explore their local library.
Historic Black fraternity’s luncheon honors Dr. King, awards student scholarships
Read full article: Historic Black fraternity’s luncheon honors Dr. King, awards student scholarshipsAs members of a historic African-American Fraternity gather to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they are also getting results for their community and empowering young people through scholastic recognition.
‘Where real estate meets hip-hop:’ Music artist brings new vibe to home buying experience
Read full article: ‘Where real estate meets hip-hop:’ Music artist brings new vibe to home buying experienceRodney Bailey says when you walk into La Rosa Realty Downtown Orlando, "we got Biggie playing, we got Mary J. Blige playing.
Interactive ‘Periodic Table of Black History’ teaches Orlando elementary students
Read full article: Interactive ‘Periodic Table of Black History’ teaches Orlando elementary studentsFifth grade students at East Lake Elementary have spent the last few weeks learning more about Black history and the many pioneers with lasting legacies.
Want to get kids into STEM careers? Principal, scientist says get them reading
Read full article: Want to get kids into STEM careers? Principal, scientist says get them readingA 2017 study at the University of San Diego found “students who experience science through a balance of reading informational text and hands-on experiences show greater gains on measures of science understanding, science vocabulary and science writing.”
From White House, Biden says 'Black history matters'
Read full article: From White House, Biden says 'Black history matters'President Joe Biden says “history matters, and Black history matters,” a forceful declaration that comes after the state of Florida blocked a new advanced course on African American studies from being taught in its high schools.
Central Florida therapists see more Black people going to therapy — but it’s still not enough
Read full article: Central Florida therapists see more Black people going to therapy — but it’s still not enoughIn Central Florida and across the country, a lot of people are coming forward seeking mental health counseling but at least two therapists we spoke with say black men are still lagging behind when it comes to seeking mental health care and treatment.
They established the NAACP in Brevard County. Now their legacy lives on in Central Florida
Read full article: They established the NAACP in Brevard County. Now their legacy lives on in Central FloridaHarry T. and Harriette V. Moore were leaders in the civil rights movement and established the first NAACP in Brevard County.
🏌🏾 Pine Hills native named first Black golf Long Drive World Champion
Read full article: 🏌🏾 Pine Hills native named first Black golf Long Drive World ChampionIn 2018, Maurice Allen would become the first African American World Long Drive Champion, ranking number one in the world twice in the Long Drive golf event.
Historic first for a historic town builds financial empowerment in underserved community
Read full article: Historic first for a historic town builds financial empowerment in underserved communityThere are still many firsts happening in Black communities, even in the oldest Black incorporated municipality in the country, Eatonville, Florida.
Orange County teacher receives support, backlash over controversial TikTok videos
Read full article: Orange County teacher receives support, backlash over controversial TikTok videosThe videos featured students in a variety of skits, including one satirizing alleged attempts at book bans by the state and another that features several students bowing down a trio of Black students for Black History Month.
🏫 First public school for African Americans in Orlando to host ‘multi-versary’ banquet
Read full article: 🏫 First public school for African Americans in Orlando to host ‘multi-versary’ banquetJones High School, the first public school for African Americans in Orlando, is hosting its first ever ‘multi-versary’ banquet inviting alums from several generations to come together and reminisce about a school with quite a history.
Osceola High School dedicates monument to 1st Black graduate after end of segregation
Read full article: Osceola High School dedicates monument to 1st Black graduate after end of segregationStudents, school officials and community members came together to recognize the life and legacy of the first African American student to graduate from Osceola High School in 1966.
Ever heard of George Walker? Decades ago, he accomplished something no African-American had ever done
Read full article: Ever heard of George Walker? Decades ago, he accomplished something no African-American had ever doneGeorge Walker probably could’ve been doing many things in his early 70s that were way more relaxing.
Movers and shakers: Black-owned Orlando entertainment group closes 1st season with dance show
Read full article: Movers and shakers: Black-owned Orlando entertainment group closes 1st season with dance showMAC Boys Entertainment, a company designed to fill the void of Black representation in the theatre world, is putting on “Mackossa,” a show which takes audiences through an evolution of dance in its many forms.
Black-owned Sanford nonprofit champions student athletes on and off the field
Read full article: Black-owned Sanford nonprofit champions student athletes on and off the fieldThis Black History Month News 6 is highlighting a Sanford track coach who is using his own success to get results for student athletes.
Orlando Public Library hosting chef Kwame Onwuachi at ‘meet the author’ event
Read full article: Orlando Public Library hosting chef Kwame Onwuachi at ‘meet the author’ eventThe Orange County Library System announced that they areghosting chef and author Kwame Onwuachi at a “Meet the Author” event at Orlando Public Library.
Pilot Bessie Coleman set to be honored with display at Orlando International Airport
Read full article: Pilot Bessie Coleman set to be honored with display at Orlando International AirportThe Orlando International Airport is set to honor pilot Bessie Coleman with a display in celebration of Black History Month, according to a release from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
‘Lincoln Park was here:’ Lake County group helps preserve history of school set to close
Read full article: ‘Lincoln Park was here:’ Lake County group helps preserve history of school set to closeOne Lake County advocacy group is helping to get results and preserve history after an elementary school is set to close but will be taking on a new life as an education center.
Riff On This: 16 bars takes Slim from rapping to writing songs for some big name artists
Read full article: Riff On This: 16 bars takes Slim from rapping to writing songs for some big name artistsFrom age 11, Slim started writing rhymes for birthdays mimicking the patterns he heard from rap songs flowing out of the radio.
‘I was very confident in myself:’ Recognizing the first Black female teacher at St. Cloud High School
Read full article: ‘I was very confident in myself:’ Recognizing the first Black female teacher at St. Cloud High SchoolNews 6 is honoring and celebrating influential and impactful Black leaders all month - including the contributions made by 79-year-old Deloris McMillon of Osceola County.
Orange County history center holds ‘Black Arts and Culture’ event to support local Black artists
Read full article: Orange County history center holds ‘Black Arts and Culture’ event to support local Black artistsThe Orange County Regional History Center is hosting an event called “Celebrating Black Arts and Culture” in honor of Black History Month.
City of Ocala holds Black History Month program for over 100 seniors
Read full article: City of Ocala holds Black History Month program for over 100 seniorsThe City of Ocala held a Black History Month program for seniors Monday morning at the newly opened Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.
Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, stories
Read full article: Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, storiesWhether you feel like you have a strong understanding of black history, or you're working to learn more, we've assembled 10 facts, or anecdotes, from history.com, to help you grow your knowledge base.
Breakfast with a side of Black History: Maitland restaurant highlights heroes
Read full article: Breakfast with a side of Black History: Maitland restaurant highlights heroesCustomers at one Black-owned restaurant in Maitland are getting a taste of Black history and a reminder of notable achievements made by African-Americans.