Eatonville Residents Won Their Land, What Happens Now?
In the past decade, Florida has been one of the states America has had its eye on. From the death of Trayvon Martin to the banning of books speaking on racism, whenever Florida is mentioned in the news, it’s always about how people are fighting for or against diversity and inclusion (whether it’s about race, gender, or sexuality). Of course, issues in Florida are just a sneak peek of the issues America faces. Top this off with the debates over Critical Race Theory and whether or not it should be taught in schools, and you now have an outpour of conversations about the erasure of Black history. What happens when Black history is on the verge of being erased in your neighborhood?
The historic home of folklorist, author, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston
That’s what the citizens of Eatonville faced. The small town where Zora Neale Hurston was raised, just six miles north of Orlando, Florida, was founded by former slaves and other communities surrounding the area. Fast forward to today, the first incorporated all-black city in the nation has fought to keep their land. A town whose individual median income was only over $22,000 was up against Sovereign Land Co. This corporation wanted to buy 100 acres of the land which would lead to the displacement of the town’s history and culture. Not only would they face the changing of their land and culture, but the leftover money that would be used to develop the area would go to the town government. In addition, the town would have to pay over $1 million in fees, which the people simply can’t afford.
The fight over the land has received statewide and national attention. The case was so heartfelt that it was featured on CBS Sunday Morning. The feature detailed the cultural and emotional toll this case took on the residents of Eatonville, young and old. Since then, the fight for the land grew more support, and as of the end of March, the deal fell through. The citizens of Eatonville do not have to worry about a corporation buying up their land!
City Council members and jail, Eatonville, Florida 1907
What does this mean for the citizens of Eatonville and what can Black communities learn from this? It means a lot, to be honest! History perseveres, and a town filled with Black history and culture can continue to thrive. Eatonville will not be another town that falls victim to gentrification or be erased with modern, luxury apartments and innovative schools. Meanwhile, the schools that were originally there are still due for repairs. This case is inspiring, and I hope others learn that you can keep your place in this country if you fight hard for it. We’ve put too much into this country (for free, might I add) to be washed away like we didn’t exist. Generational wealth and the erasure of Black history are discussed across the globe within our community. The case of Eatonville should encourage us to pass down our history and ensure we own everything we’ve built with our own hands and labor.
