Residents Rise Up Against Development That Could Erase Historic Florida Town’s Rich Black Heritage

Eatonville resident Vera King was a student of the Robert Hungerford Preparatory School and as an adult worked there as a bookkeeper. (Credit: Alfonso Duran)

‘Willing to Fight’

 

by Esther Schrader

When thousands of festivalgoers descend on Eatonville, Florida, this month to celebrate the legacy of literary giant Zora Neale Hurston they will, by their presence, honor the community dubbed “The Town That Freedom Built” for its proud history as one of the oldest incorporated Black communities in the U.S.

But while they are enjoying the annual festival that since 1990 has brought live music, literary symposia, theatrical productions and art exhibits to Eatonville, where Hurston grew up, the 135-year-old town will be on the brink of a decision that will determine its future.

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Source: The Southern Poverty Law Center