In “Jonestown’s Silent Remembrance – Uncovering the Legacy of Orlando’s First African American Community,” Sarah Boye will explore the hidden history of Orlando’s first African American community, Jonestown, through the life of Osborne Brooks, a former resident now buried in Greenwood Cemetery. His story reveals both the complexities of segregation-era Orlando and the enduring legacy of African American communities often overlooked in historical narratives. By examining the personal history of Brooks and the broader context of racial inequality, this presentation sheds light on the resilience of African American communities in Orlando and offers a unique perspective on local history.
About the Speaker
Sarah Boye is a graduate researcher specializing in public history at the University of Central Florida. Her research focuses on local history and Civil War memory in the twentieth century, with a particular interest in uncovering the stories of marginalized communities. She serves as the historical researcher for Greenwood Cemetery, where she played a key role in developing the city’s official digital walking tour, and is collaborating with UCF and the City of Orlando on a project to collect oral histories from the Parramore community, further enriching the understanding of Orlando’s diverse and complex history. Her work emphasizes the importance of preserving and sharing local narratives to foster a deeper connection to the past.
About the Brechner Series
The History Center’s Brechner Speaker Series honors the late Joseph L. Brechner, a longtime journalist, Central Florida community leader, and television pioneer who is also remembered as one of Orlando’s first clear public voices for civil rights. The son of Eastern European immigrants, Brechner believed deeply in American democracy and citizens’ responsibilities to be informed and participate. The museum’s research center, home to the archival collection and historical of the Historical Society of Central Florida, also bears Brechner’s name.
This program is free with registration.
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