From Staff Reports
In Apopka and around America, it's a time for celebration.
February is Black History Month nationwide, which brings with it festivals and remembrances of the accomplishments of African Americans around the nation, and in Apopka, too.
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The Apopka community is invited to a special celebration of Black History this Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 927 South Central Avenue. If you attend, you can look forward to an event that honors local history, culture, and community spirit. It will feature historical enactments by Apopka historian Francina Boykin, Memorial Quilt Squares crafted by folk artist Linda Lee, and free children's books to inspire young readers.
Lee has lived in Apopka for life and is a respected member of her community. Her grandparents migrated from north Florida, where they had worked as farmworkers. They followed the railroad tracks, walking all the way from Marianna to Apopka, where they finally settled. As a close-knit family, three generations of the Lee family lived on their land in Apopka. There, they raised animals and grew fruit trees and vegetables that fed their family—food that they shared freely with their neighbors.
Children can also enjoy a bounce house, making this a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Various food options will be available, including BBQ chicken, hamburger, and hot dog dinners ($7 for adults, $4 for children) and vegetarian dinners ($5). The dinners include one vegetable and one dessert (two cookies) plus soda or water.
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Another part of this event is the vital role of two local organizations dedicated to social justice and community empowerment, which will also be present.
The Farmworker Association of Florida (FWAF) and Hope CommUnity Center’s AmeriCorps Team will host displays highlighting their impactful work in the Apopka area and providing information on immigration issues.
These organizations are crucial in advocating for farmworkers' rights and empowering marginalized communities through education, leadership development, and social justice initiatives, particularly in this time of uncertainty about immigration status.
Hope CommUnity Center
Founded in the 1970s by Sisters Cathy Gorman, Gail Grimes, and Ann Kendrick, Hope CommUnity Center has been a pillar of support for the Apopka community. The center fosters diverse and empowered communities, standing in solidarity with immigrants and advocating for social and economic justice. The organization’s commitment to working with the community rather than for them has led to meaningful change, addressing challenges such as illiteracy, healthcare access, and economic disparity.
Farmworker Association of Florida (FWAF)
Since 1983, the Farmworker Association of Florida has been a grassroots organization advocating for over 10,000 Haitian, Hispanic, and African American farmworkers. With a mission to build power among rural and low-income communities, FWAF fights for social, economic, workplace, and environmental justice. The association works to ensure that farmworkers are treated with dignity and respect, engaging them in leadership development and advocacy to create lasting change.
In keeping true to the organization’s mission and guiding vision, FWAF’s core strategy is to help farmworkers realize and build upon their power to be effective agents of social and personal change by:
- Validating and strengthening the experiences, knowledge, and understanding of farmworkers
- Building farmworkers’ capacity to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives
- Building multiracial coalitions with other farmworker organizations promoting civic engagement and better working conditions
- Organizing around community and labor issues
- Raising consciousness about and advocating for farmworkers’ rights and justice
Join the Celebration!
This Black History celebration is more than just an event; it is an opportunity for the Apopka community to unite, honor history, and support organizations making a real difference. Whether you come for the history, the food, or the community connection, this is an event not to be missed.
For more information, contact the Farmworker Association of Florida at 407-886-5151.
