The Orange County Regional History Center (Website) will host a special lecture on Sunday, June 15, from 2-3 p.m., all about Orlando’s first African American community, Jonestown.
UCF graduate researcher, Sarah Boye, will tell the hidden story of Jonestown through the life of Isborne Brooks, a former Jonestown resident who is now buried in Greenwood Cemetery. The presentation is meant to shed light on the complexities of Segregation-era Orlando and the legacy of Black communities that are often overlooked in historical narratives.
Boye serves as the historical researcher for Greenwood Cemetery, where she played a role in developing the city’s official digital walking tour of Greenwood (which was a little inspired by our own digital walking tour HERE).
The presentation is part of the Brechner Speaker Series, honoring longtime journalist and Central Florida community leader, Joseph L. Brechner.
Can’t wait for the lecture to learn about Jonestown? Check out a previous article we shared HERE in July 2020.