The Orange County Regional History Center (Website) will host award-winning journalist Valerie Boey Ramsey for the next installment of its Brechner Speaker Series, titled “Asian American Pacific Islander Icons in Central Florida,” on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m.
In this lecture, Ramsey will explore the rich and often overlooked history of Central Florida’s AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community. Attendees can expect to learn about pioneering figures who helped shape the region’s early development, as well as contemporary advocates who continue to influence the City Beautiful.
Valerie Boey Ramsey is the owner of VBR Ink and a freelance journalist with WFTV, as well as a contributor to The New York Times. She currently serves as president of the Asian American Journalists Association in Florida and was recently named one of Orlando Magazine’s 2025 Women of the Year. In addition to her journalism work, she volunteers with several nonprofits, including the Central Florida Women’s League and Runway to Hope.
The Brechner Speaker Series honors the legacy of Joseph L. Brechner, a Central Florida journalist and civil rights advocate known for his commitment to democracy and public engagement. The series invites speakers who embody these values and contribute to meaningful conversations about history, identity, and social change.
Admission is free, but registration is required. For more details and to reserve your spot, click HERE.