The City Beautiful
Orlando in Color
People know Orlando for its beautiful beaches and aquatic attractions. But beyond the surfing and sand, there’s an undercurrent of Black experiences waiting below the surface.
Central Florida is brimming with attractions and history that deserves more than a cursory look. And as president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, I have the pleasure of knowing what’s worth your time. Armed with the knowledge and love for this city, let me tell you what makes Orlando an incredible place for Black people and their businesses.
Orlando is nicknamed “The City Beautiful”. And though the title seems a bit backwards, this place is nothing but a forward leaning citadel with a history of Black promise and progress. That promise dates back to 1880, when formerly enslaved people founded the city’s first Black community, Jonestown. The progress continued in 1887, where just 10 miles north of downtown, Eatonville was chartered as the first Black-incorporated municipality in the United States.
That same bold community gave birth to an even bolder hometown hero and national treasure: author, filmmaker and philanthropist Zora Neale Hurston.Though she died more than half a century ago, the city carries the mantle of her brilliance with pride. In conjunction with the eponymous museums and festivals to honor Hurston’s legacy, you can appreciate Orlando’s Black history by visiting historical sites like the Wells’Built Museum. Formerly a hotel, the building has been converted into a museum that now houses civil rights history, arts, and artifacts, instead of guests. And just 25 miles north of Orlando lies the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, previously home to a thriving Black community and one of the nation’s first Civil Rights marches. When it comes to central Florida, the options, like the unobstructed beach skyline–are truly endless.
However, the beauty isn’t just in our history or beaches. There’s immense current Black culture here that often goes unappreciated by the untrained eye. But if you know where to look, you can discover some unmatched Black-owned restaurants and store-fronts. Places like Dare Books and the Naked Bar Soap Company make you want a bubble bath and a book for a relaxing evening. But after you’ve decompressed, we recommend joining us and your favorite Black businesses at our chamber’s annual Eagle Awards Gala.
But for the folks who may want a less formal affair, we recommend this HBCU tailgate over cocktail hours and ducktail tuxedos. The Florida Classic, an annual showdown between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University, is the place to be. People will tell you that they come for the game, but we know they only remember the battle of the bands. And after you’ve grooved through sonic splendor, you’ll find fantastic restaurants around Orlando to capstone a spectacular time in town. Get a taste of southern cuisine from P&D Soul Food. Take advantage of your proximity to the ocean and visit our favorite seaside shack at Something Fishy. But most of all, have fun in a place that loves Black people and that has no problem showing it. Folks think you need to swim while here to get a sense of what really makes Orlando amazing. But we think our city guide is all you need to take a deep dive into this city—and without even getting your hair wet.
