WINTER HAVEN’S EARLY HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Florence Villa Station In the late 1990s Winter Haven completed a series of surveys that established historic districts within the city. Bill Adams of Historic Properties, Inc. conducted the inventory. Writing in the survey report he outlined the historic development of the African American community. The following information is taken from Mr. Adams’ report: “African American settlers arrived in Winter Haven in the l

Black History Month began as a way of remembering important people and events in African communities across the world. The United States observes this month during February each year, and Winter Haven has built a new tradition by bringing the remembrance close to home. After the cancelling of key Black History Month events in 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversations spurred amongst City staff about other ways to commemorate this important celebration. That is

Bartow brothers and founders of the Luster African American Heritage Museum, Charles Luster and Dr. Harvey Lester say their commitment to community enrichment was a seed planted by their father. He taught them the importance of giving back, and the pair have spent a lifetime doing so and planting seeds of their own. “Sometimes when you plant a seed, it doesn’t grow immediately – some things take years to grow,” Luster said. Charles Luster & Dr. Harvey Lester Dr. Harvey Lester

“Ignorance of each other is what has made unity impossible in the past. Therefore, we need enlightenment. We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.” — Malcolm X. The Historic Ritz Theatre will host “Malcolm X: The Musical” by Tommie Wofford on February 19. The show chronicles the life and times of minister, civil rights leader, and prolific speaker Malcolm X. “Set against t