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Black History Month | Spectrum News 13

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Savariau was selected by Orange County Art and Cultural Affairs and the Black History Committee of Orange County to curate an exhibit titled “Living the Dream” the Spark The Arts gallery in Orlando. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Artist brings Black history to life through stained glass at Spark The Arts in Orlando

The work of JoKeeta Johnson Savariau was selected by the Black History Committee of Orange County for this year’s celebration.

4:16

Orange County1 month ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Uniquely Original Art Studio (Spectrum Bay News 9)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

St. Pete building home to generations of different Black owned businesses

In 1947, Christine Weaver's grandfather built a building for his grocery store that turned into a generational entrepreneurship empire.

2:44

Pinellas County1 month ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Ramone Hemphill (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Lutz fly-in pays tribute to Tuskegee airmen

One thing is for sure. There’s nothing like watching a plane take off or come in for a landing.

2:13

Hillsborough County1 month ago

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Essie Lewis became the first African American woman to be part of the Strawberry Festival Court in 1973. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

First African American Strawberry Festival Court member shares journey

During this Black History Month, we highlight one woman who made Florida Strawberry Festival history in 1973.

1:43

Tampa1 month ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Bealsville Farmers and Flea Market owner Sylvester McCloud holds a bundle of collard greens on his farm. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Bealsville native starts farmers market to keep his family history alive

Sylvester McCloud started Bealsville Farmers and Flea Market in February, pulling what he knows from his roots.

2:38

Manatee County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

James

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Beloved Bartow artist honored for contributions during Black History Month

Though 85-year-old James Camp never made it to Hollywood, his love for the era is captured in his artwork.

3:23

Polk County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

It was 65 years ago when a group of Tampa teenagers took part in the city's lunch counter sit-ins. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Story based on the Tampa Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins takes center stage at the Straz

The stage play, "When the Righteous Triumph," tells the heroic story of the 1960 Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins.

4:09

Hillsborough County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Rod Thompson, CEO of FastSigns North-Orlando, works on his next project designing signs for Sun State Customs. (Spectrum News/Massiel Leyva)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

African American Chamber of Commerce helps build Black businesses in Central Florida

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is the driving force and the leading resource for Black and minority-owned businesses.

4:14

Orange County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Melba Mouton working at NASA

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Moon mountain named in honor of Melba Mouton

Mouton is a highly respected role model for all women and people of color pursuing a career in STEM.

Nationwide2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

DeLand Police Department School Resource Office Javon Kelly now serves the school where he used to attend. (Spectrum News/Devin Martin)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

DeLand Police Department school resource officer gives back to his community

Officer Javon Kelly now serves the school he once attended.

3:07

Volusia County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Alice Eady and Freddie Holcy recall what it was like decades ago when St. Cloud was segregated. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

St. Cloud residents remember life in a sundown town

Alice Eady and Freddie Holcy remember harrowing times while living in what was once considered a sundown town.

2:40

Osceola County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Lakeview Market was founded nearly 50 years ago in the Historic Gas Plant District. Since it's relocation a few miles away from Tropicana Field, it still remains open for business. (Spectrum News/Saundra Weathers)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Bay area business owner keeps doors open and a piece of Black history alive

Daisy Swinton, owner of Swinton’s Lakeview Market, said that Black-owned businesses represented much more than spending money.

3:36

Pinellas County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Historic Parramore was created for Black entertainers and for the working class during segregation, when accommodations were denied to Black people. (Spectrum News/Tammie Fields)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Parramore created for Black entertainers and working class

Historic Parramore was a safe space — for not only entertainers and celebrities but also for the working class and their families.

Orange County2 months ago

JUSTICE FOR ALL

U.S. Census data says that Black or African Americans account for 13 percent of all U.S. workers and 62.2 percent of America’s labor force participation, which is the percentage of Black or African Americans who are either employed or unemployed, but still looking for work. (Photo Courtesy: State Archives of Florida)

JUSTICE FOR ALL

JUSTICE FOR ALL

Doing the Work: Equality for the African American workforce

This Black History Month, we recognize the African Americans who paved the way, and honor a legacy that lives on.

22:22

Florida2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Until the mid-1970s, Central Avenue served as the hub for African American business, entertainment and culture. (Photo Courtesy: Tampa Bay History Center)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

During segregation, 'I would not see a white face' for a week, says Tampa Black historian

African Americans relied on Central Avenue in Tampa for most of their business needs during segregation.

2:51

Tampa2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Aarans Pond can be found off of Fletcher Avenue near 15th Street in Tampa. It was created more than 50 years ago to deal with flooding in the University area. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Tampa's Black history in the University area can be traced to Aarans Pond

After a contaminated past, a team from USF looks to improve a nearby stormwater pond's water quality.

2:55

Tampa2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

West Lake's Legacy Cafe continues to grow with help from the Black Business Investment Fund. (Spectrum News 13/Brandon Spencer)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black-owned business Legacy Cafe looks to thrive with help from the Black Business Investment Fund

Third generation entrepreneur Brittney Brown credits the Black Business Investment Fund for her restaurant's success.

3:07

Orlando2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Each year, the City of Tampa Black History Committee honors unsung heroes during Black History Month. The theme for their 37th annual ceremony is ‘Tampa Bay Trailblazers: Leading Change.' (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

City of Tampa Black History Committee honors 9 trailblazers

The honorees distinguished themselves by overcoming personal and professional challenges to excel in their industries.

0:45

Tampa2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Charles E. Anderson

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

History-making meteorologist: The story of Charles E. Anderson

Anderson helped change the meteorological world.

Nationwide2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Rebuilding Together Central Florida and Help Community Development Corporation are working together in renovating homes in the town of Eatonville (Spectrum News/Massiel Leyva)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Central Florida nonprofits help Eatonville homeowners renovate their homes

Rebuilding Together Central Florida and Help Community Development Corporation are working together to make homes safe and livable for residents.

1:25

Orange County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Ifi Heritage Center is designed to become a performing arts center along with a community center honoring the African American heritage in Wimauma. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Hillsborough County man works to create Black heritage center in Wimauma

Co-founder Irvin Shell said he hopes to build the Ifi Heritage Center on about 10 acres of land in Wimauma.

2:54

Hillsborough County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Historic Gas Plant neighborhood was razed to make room for Tropicana Field. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

New Gas Plant District documentary details rich history and troubled past of how it came to be a baseball stadium

A new film detailing the rich history of St. Pete's Historic Gas Plant District is set to premiere, as the future of the property remains uncertain.

4:22

Pinellas County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Jean-René Rinvil is being recognized at the City of Tampa Black History Committee’s 37th annual ceremony, themed

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Haitian artist honored by Tampa Black History Committee

Jean-René Rinvil is one of this year’s honorees who uses various mediums to celebrate Haiti’s contributions to Black history.

3:50

Tampa2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Jemison

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Mae C. Jemison: The first African American woman in space

Jemison has been an inspiration her entire life.

Nationwide2 months ago

iHope Mentoring founder Marcus Brown talking to youth at Northwest Community Center in Orlando. (Spectrum News 13)

Marcus Brown changes young lives in Mercy Drive community

Brown founded iHope Mentoring to give young men encouragement and to try to keep them from a life on the streets.

2:43

Orlando2 months ago

Some descendants of the people buried in the Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville, along with city leaders and community members, attend the cemetery's dedication. (Spectrum News)

A discussion about forgotten African American cemeteries

Allison Walker interviews two guests.

20:49

Florida2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

June Bacon-Bercey analyzing weather maps. (Photo Courtesy: Dail St. Claire)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Honoring a pioneer in broadcast meteorology, June Bacon-Bercey

June Bacon-Bercey broke many barriers as an African American woman in science.

Nationwide2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Guion

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Guion 'Guy' Bluford: The first African American astronaut

Bluford had many great achievements in the space community.

Nationwide2 months ago

JUSTICE FOR ALL

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a daily pill or injection that can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. (File)

JUSTICE FOR ALL

JUSTICE FOR ALL

HIV numbers for Black women rising, but advocates say there is trouble accessing prevention drug

Advocates said there’s an alarming number of patients and health care providers who don’t know enough about the HIV prevention drug.

4:43

Florida2 months ago

A sign in Eatonville promotes the 2025 Zora Festival. (Spectrum News/Destiny Wiggins)

2025 Zora Festival celebrates legacy of Zora Neale Hurston in Eatonville

The festival honors the influential author and anthropologist.

2:28

Orange County2 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

William Bunch talks about how his restaurant, Oysters, came to be in Crystal River. (Spectrum News/Saundra Weathers)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black history in Crystal River runs deep for one local business owner

William Bunch tells his story of growing up in the segregated south, striking out on his own and opening several businesses.

3:19

Citrus County2 months ago

A look at the arts in the Central Florida and Tampa Bay regions, what communities have to offer, and the economic obstacles arts organizations currently face. (File Photo)

A look at the arts in the Central Florida and Tampa Bay regions

Allison Walker interviews three guests.

20:46

Florida3 months ago

BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

Eatonville is on the list of potential locations for Florida's new Black history museum, ranking in second place. Saint Augustine is at the top of the list, and closing the list out is Opa-Locka. (Spectrum News 13/Jaclyn Harold)

BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

Task force approves draft report ranking Eatonville 2nd to St. John's County for Florida Black History Museum

Eatonville is ranked second in the report, despite leading responses in a survey about where the museum should be placed.

3:40

Orlando9 months ago

Kids dressed as the Jackson 5 at the Black in Wax museum. (Spectrum News/Saundra Weathers)

St. Pete foundation hosts Blacks in Wax Museum event to inspire kids

The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation is an education organization aiming to close the education gap for minority students.

2:21

Pinellas County1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Pastor Sharon Riley flips through pages of the Bible while she delivers a sermon. Riley is organizing a trip to take 50 students to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama to learn about history. (Spectrum News/Jaclyn Harold)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Central Florida pastor responds to 'history standard' changes with a trip to Alabama

Pastor Sharon Riley takes matters into her own hands after a move by the Florida State Board of Education.

3:18

Orlando1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Some damaged photos of the Tuskegee Airmen are in the process of being restored, thanks to a collaboration with students at Full Sail University and the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture. (Spectrum News/Nicole Griffin)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Full Sail students help restore historic images for Wells’Built Museum

The students get to practice while also helping the community.

Orlando1 year ago

A rendering of the Courageous 12 monument planned for St. Pete. (Courtesy: Ya La'ford)

Artist reveals renderings of monument to honor St. Pete's Courageous 12

The monument will on the site of the old St. Pete Police Department, honoring the 12 officers that fought discrimination.

2:25

Tampa1 year ago

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Eleventh street, now Martin Luther King Way, was once a thriving area for African Americans. In the 1950s, there was a movie theater, an ice cream parlor, along with dozens of shops and restaurants. (Spectrum News/Dalia Dangerfield)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Haines City aims to revive historic Black business district

A city in Polk County aims to revive historic Black business district

2:46

Polk County1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Evergreen Cemetery, located in the western portion of Batrow, is the oldest documented and continuously used African American cemetery in the county. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Tours to remember leaders at Polk County’s oldest known Black cemetery

The Polk County History Center shares stories of those buried at the county's oldest known Black cemetery.

Tampa1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Warren Washington

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Warren Washington: Climate adviser to 6 presidents

Washington helped develop the earliest climate models.

Nationwide1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Doris Ross Reddick's cousin, Alva Simmons (left), and Reddick's daughter, Clemmie Perry, honor their relative's contributions to Hillsborough County. (Spectrum News/Saundra Weathers)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A look at the career of Hillsborough County's first Black woman elected School Board member

Doris Ross Reddick became the first Black female school board member in Hillsborough in 1992. Her family says her legacy and impact are immeasurable.

3:44

Tampa1 year ago

Louise Deininger is the first resident artist in a new partnership between the Maitland Art Center and Hurston Museum (Celeste Springer/Spectrum News).

Museums partner to bring global Black artists to Central Florida

The Maitland Art Center and Hurston Museum have started a partnership to bring new resident artists to Central Florida.

2:56

Orange County1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CAPTION & COURTESY FOR YOUR PICTURE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The beat goes on for Jones High Alumni Band, decades after graduation

Playing together again is about legacy, one member says.

3:21

Orange County1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

DaNa Carlis

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

DaNa Carlis’ role at the National Severe Storms Lab is a historic homecoming

DaNa Carlis is the first African-American to be named NSSL director.

Nationwide1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Senior music major Frederick Blanchard (center blue shirt) practices with a 160-person choir for this years Bach Festival at Rollins College. (Spectrum News 13/Randy Rauch)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Singing powerful stories of escaping slavery at the 89th annual Bach Festival

Singing stories about slavery at Rollins College.

3:02

Orlando1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Maiya Stevenson sings inside The Cathedral of St. Peter

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Afro Opera creator and singer hosting showcase to expose Black community to opera music

A classically trained African American pianist, Maiya Stevenson and another Black opera singer will perform at the showcase.

3:34

Pinellas County1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Moore Cultural Center in Mims is named after Harry and Harriette Moore, who were civil rights pioneers. (Spectrum News 13)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Moore Cultural Center is marking 20 years of educating students on Black history

The center is named after Harry and Harriette Moore, who were civil rights pioneers.

2:53

Brevard County1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Floridian native Dafeney Josue paints a canvas of an African woman at the City of Orlando's annual Black History Month celebration. (Spectrum News/Christian Peña)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

City of Orlando celebrates Black culture through art

The event showcased all types of African American art in the community.

2:24

Orlando1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Comdr. Jeanine Menze with the United States Coast Guard exits a plane at Air Station Clearwater. (Spectrum News)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

First Black woman pilot in United States Coast Guard hopes to inspire others

In 2005, Jeanine Menze became the first Black woman pilot in the United States Coast Guard.

2:36

Tampa1 year ago

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

(Photo courtesy of Fred Hearns)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Tampa’s history with public housing

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Housing Act of 1949.

3:35

Tampa1 year ago

Read More Black History Stories

AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash outside Oak Ridge High School involving a student who was hit by a car Monday morning. (File Photo)

OCPS: Student hit and killed by car outside Oak Ridge High School

Florida Highway Patrol investigators say the student was hit in front of the school at about 8:10 a.m.

Orange County1 hour ago

Summerlin Avenue in Orlando is blocked off for a major road construction project. (Spectrum News 13/Jaclyn Harold)

Businesses weigh in on impacts from continued construction along Summerlin Avenue

The Summerlin Avenue and South Street intersection will be closed starting April 28 for 150 days.

2:53

Orlando3 hours ago

Fire Station 52 sits in front of SR-44 in New Smyrna Beach. (Spectrum News/Jerry Hume)

Former city commissioner says New Smyrna Beach’s Fire Station 52 needs an emergency signal

Traffic can get backed up in front of Fire Station 52

3:30

Volusia County3 hours ago

DEADLY TURNPIKE CRASH

(File photo of police lights)

DEADLY TURNPIKE CRASH

DEADLY TURNPIKE CRASH

5 dead in turnpike crash in Osceola County, FHP says

Twelve people were in the van involved in a single-vehicle crash on the Florida’s Turnpike in Kenansville on Sunday night.

Osceola County4 hours ago

PROJECT KUIPER LAUNCH

The Atlas V rocket will once again be at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to send up nearly 30 Kuiper satellites, stated ULA.

PROJECT KUIPER LAUNCH

PROJECT KUIPER LAUNCH

Amazon tries again for Project Kuiper launch

The Atlas V rocket will be at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and will send up nearly 30 Kuiper satellites.

Brevard County7 hours ago

SPACEX STARLINK LAUNCH

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket sent up Starlink 12-23 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday, April 27, 2025. (SpaceX)

SPACEX STARLINK LAUNCH

SPACEX STARLINK LAUNCH

SpaceX launches 20 more Starlink satellites late Sunday

The company’s Falcon 9 rocket sent up the Starlink 12-23 mission.

0:43

Brevard County13 hours ago