Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Leaders and Icons in Real Estate and Architecture

Recognizing Trailblazers in Real Estate

Philip A. Payton Jr.: The "Father of Harlem"

Philip A. Payton Jr., an esteemed entrepreneur, earned the title "Father of Harlem" for his groundbreaking work in renting properties to Black Americans in the neighborhood. His efforts played a pivotal role in fostering community and economic empowerment.

Roy Donahue "Don" Peebles: Founder of the Peebles Corporation

As the founder of the Peebles Corporation, the largest black-owned real estate development and ownership company in the U.S., Don Peebles has been a trailblazer in the industry. His visionary leadership and commitment to diversity have set a powerful example for future generations.

Rodney Leon: Urban Planner and Monument Designer

Rodney Leon's impact extends beyond real estate as he oversees urban planning initiatives in New York City. Notably, he designed "The Ark of the Return," a monument honoring enslaved Africans, and the African Burial Ground National Monument in Manhattan, highlighting the importance of preserving history through architecture.

Kesha Franklin: CEO of Halden Interiors

Kesha Franklin, CEO of Halden Interiors in NYC, has made significant strides in the field of interior design, specializing in residential and hospitality spaces. Her innovative approach and creative vision continue to inspire and elevate the industry.

Samantha Josaphat: Founder of Studio 397 Architecture

Samantha Josaphat's achievements as the founder of Studio 397 Architecture are emblematic of her dedication and perseverance. As the 397th Black American female architect to achieve licensure in the USA, she is a trailblazer in her field, breaking barriers and reshaping the architectural landscape.

Ryan Williams: Co-founder of Cadre

Ryan Williams, co-founder of Cadre, exemplifies leadership and innovation in real estate technology. His advocacy for diversity and change underscores the importance of inclusivity in driving progress and transformation within the industry.

Reflecting on Historical Milestones

As we honor these remarkable individuals, it's essential to reflect on pivotal moments in history that have shaped the trajectory of civil rights and equality:

• The tireless efforts of Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks in challenging oppression and advancing the cause of freedom.
• The indelible impact of Martin Luther King Jr. in advocating for civil rights and equality for all Americans.
• The historic election of Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

Local Contributions: Remembering Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy

In the heart of Orlando, Florida, Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy stood as a prominent African-American businessman and civil rights leader. During the mid-20th century, Kennedy played a pivotal role in advocating for civil rights and equality in the Orlando area. His involvement in various initiatives aimed to improve the lives of African Americans, including efforts to desegregate schools and public facilities. Kennedy's legacy as a respected leader in the community echoes the resilience and determination of individuals dedicated to advancing the cause of civil rights.

Florida's Trailblazers in Civil Rights

Harry T. Moore and Harriette V. Moore

Harry T. Moore and his wife Harriette were pioneering civil rights activists who organized the first branch of the NAACP in Brevard County, Florida. They dedicated their lives to fighting for equality and justice, and tragically, they were both killed in a bombing at their home on Christmas Day in 1951.

Mary McLeod Bethune

While already mentioned for her national contributions, Mary McLeod Bethune's ties to Florida are significant. She founded the Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, providing educational opportunities for African-American students in the state.

Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston, an influential writer and anthropologist, spent a significant portion of her life in Florida. Her work, including the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," has left an indelible mark on American literature and culture.

Tallahassee Bus Boycott

In 1956, Tallahassee, Florida, witnessed one of the earliest and longest-running bus boycotts in the civil rights movement. Led by local activist Reverend C.K. Steele, the boycott resulted in the desegregation of the city's bus system.

Architectural Visionaries: Contributions Beyond Real Estate

In addition to their contributions to real estate, African-American architects have played a significant role in shaping the built environment across the United States. Here are some architectural trailblazers:

1. Robert Robinson Taylor (1868–1942): The first accredited Black architect in the U.S., Taylor's design and educational contributions to the profession are significant. He planned constructions at Alabama's Tuskegee Institute and designed various buildings, leaving an indelible mark on educational architecture.
2. Wallace Augustus Rayfield (1874–1941): The second formally trained practicing Black architect in the U.S., Rayfield's designs, including the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, reflect his commitment to architecture as a means of cultural expression.
3. William Sidney Pittman (1875–1958): An influential architect, Pittman designed buildings like the Fairmount Heights housing development and the Colored Carnegie Library of Houston, leaving a lasting impact on civic structures.
4. McKissack & McKissack (Founded in 1905): Established by Moses McKissack III and Calvin Lunsford McKissack, this firm is the first Black-owned architecture and engineering firm in the U.S. It designed notable structures like the Morris Memorial Building in Nashville and contributed to significant civic projects.
5. Julien Abele (1881–1950): As the first Black student admitted to the architecture school at the University of Pennsylvania, Abele's work includes designs for Duke University's west campus, demonstrating his influence on academic architecture.
6. Clarence W. Wigington (1883–1967): America's first Black municipal architect, Wigington's designs for St. Paul, Minnesota, including the Highland Park Golf Clubhouse, showcase his role in shaping civic spaces.
7. Vertner Woodson Tandy (1885–1949): The first Black architect licensed in New York, Tandy designed notable structures like Villa Lewaro, reflecting his influence on residential architecture.
8. Paul Revere Williams (1894–1980): Overcoming racial barriers, Williams became known as "Hollywood's architect," designing homes for celebrities and contributing to civic projects like the Golden State Life Insurance Building and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
9. Albert Irvin Cassell (1895–1969): Shaping academic communities, Cassell's work at Howard University, including the Founders Library, symbolizes his impact on educational architecture.
10. Hilyard Robinson (1899–1986): Robinson's work in urban renewal and housing developments, such as the Langston Terrace Dwellings, reflects his commitment to creating inclusive urban spaces.
11. Beverly Loraine Greene (1915–1957): The first Black woman licensed as an architect in the U.S., Greene's designs for prominent institutions like UNESCO's United Nations Headquarters highlight her influence on international architecture.
12. John Warren Moutoussamy (1920–1995): Designing iconic structures like the Johnson Publishing Company headquarters, Moutoussamy's architectural contributions in Chicago showcase his impact on the city's skyline.
13. Wendell Jerome Campbell (1927–2008): Campbell's work in urban renewal and affordable housing developments, including the Genesis Convention Center, reflects his dedication to creating sustainable communities.
14. Norma Merrick Sklarek (1926–2012): A trailblazer for women in architecture, Sklarek's designs for projects like the Pacific Design Center exemplify her influence on commercial architecture.
15. J. Max Bond, Jr. (1935–2009): Designing civil rights and cultural research institutes, Bond's architectural legacy includes landmarks like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Explore Local Black History Month Events Across Central Florida

Orange County:

• Feb. 2 – March 31: BHM Art Exhibit at Orlando City Hall Terrace Gallery
• Feb. 5: City of Orlando’s BHM Proclamation Presentation at 2PM at Orlando City Hall
• Feb. 8: Parramore Historic Bus Tour at Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture
• Feb. 15: Exploring African American culinary contributions; 6-8PM at Edible Education Experience
• Feb. 16 – 18: Timucua Amplifies Black Voices Weekend; at Sodo Main Street District
• Feb. 20: City of Orlando’s BHM Community Celebration Event; 5-8PM at Camping World Stadium
• Feb. 28: Zora Outdoor Festival of the Arts; 11AM - 5PM at Eatonville

Osceola County:

• Feb. 6: Kissimmee BHM Reception; 5-7PM at Kissimmee City Hall
• Feb. 18: Black History Month Festival; 11AM - 6PM at Granny's Southern Smokehouse
• Feb. 24: Community Day of Love at Hopkins Park from noon to 4PM.

Volusia County:

• Feb. 24: Black Heritage Festival; 9AM – 6PM at Pettis Park in NSB
• Feb. 9: 'rePresent,' African American Photography Exhibit; 11AM - 8PM weekends and 5 - 8PM weekdays at Kenneth Grant Inzpirations

Marion County:

• Feb. 6: African American Contribution; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Ocala Mary Sue Rich Community Center

Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants and Businesses Around Orlando

Black-Owned Restaurants:

• Orlando Famous Pete’s BBQ: Downtown Orlando (Weekends)
• Brick & Spoon: Maitland
• Big Lou’s Single Wing Express: Downtown Orlando
• Stonington’s Fried Shrimp: Metro West and Altamonte Springs
• Mad Crab Seafood & Wings: Eatonville
• Chicken Fire: Orlando (Specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken)
• Mark’s Jamaican Bar & Grill: East Orlando
• Island Thyme Caribbean Grille: East Orlando
• Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse: Downtown Orlando
• Nikki’s Place: Downtown Orlando
• P&D Soul Food Kitchen: Downtown Orlando
• Soul Food Fantasy: Eatonville
• Vitality Bowls: Dr. Phillips
• Pattie Lou's Donuts: Downtown Orlando (Custom flavors at the doughnut bar)
• Sister Honey’s: Downtown Orlando (Award-winning pies, cookies, and pastries)
• Streetwise Urban Food: East Orlando (Family-friendly urban favorites)
• The District GastroBar: Downtown Orlando (Homage to old-world American taste and cuisine)

Black-Owned Businesses:

• Pretty Peacock Paperie: Winter Park (Custom stationery and invitations)
• Naked Bar Soap Co.: Winter Park (All-natural bath and body care products)
• Bloom in Glory: Winter Park (Full-service floral design company)

Supporting these local Black-owned establishments contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of Orlando's culinary and business landscape.