By Maribel Brinkel, President of The Apopka Historical Society
Earlier this month, we gathered to celebrate the rich tapestry of our city's history: the arrival of African American settlers around 1870 in Apopka and Northwest Orange County.
About three years ago, the Apopka Historical Society published the first book, Legends of Apopka, where the story of Sara Mead is told.
Her journey was one of courage, resilience, and determination. The Mead's Bottom settlers faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after the Civil War, navigating a society still deeply divided by racism and prejudice that included racial discrimination, economic hardship, and the remnants of slavery. Yeah! Upon arrival to our area and Despite these challenges, Here at Mead's Bottom we found a diverse community where blacks and whites lived and worked together side by side regardless of color, establishing farms, building homes, and contributing to the growth of our community well into the early 1960s.
Now, in this Proud moment, we have an opportunity to honor their legacy and continue their work! The Mead's Bottom Mural is a great investment in our community and its people, reflecting our values, history, and aspirations. Exposure to these types of arts fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that can help to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding.
I believe that investing in our history and culture yields significant benefits that are essential to our identity, Not to mention they can have a profound economic impact. The Mural will help revitalize our downtown area and enhance our quality of life!
The Meads Bottom Mural and its visual expressions serve as a powerful tool for education, resources, and preservation. It reminds us of the resilience and triumphs of the African American people and the Mead's Bottom example of community togetherness!
Let me conclude by reminding ourselves that: "The Past is our Heritage, The Present is our Responsibility, and The Future is our Challenge"
