Posted on May 5th, 2023

DeLand, Florida has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. From its founding to its involvement in the Civil War, from its pivotal role in the Space Race to its impact on the Civil Rights Movement, DeLand has played a significant role in shaping Florida's history.

One of the most important and inspiring aspects of DeLand's history is the story of its African American community. Despite facing oppression and discrimination, African Americans in DeLand have played a vital role in shaping the town's history and culture.

From the early days of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, African Americans in DeLand have made significant contributions to the town's growth and development. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the history of DeLand's African American community and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of its members.

Through the struggles and challenges they faced, African Americans in DeLand demonstrated resilience, courage, and determination. Their story is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of the power of collective action and unity.

Join me on this journey of exploration and discovery as we delve into the history of DeLand's African American community and pay tribute to the individuals and organizations that have contributed to its rich and vibrant culture.

Early History

The early history of African Americans in DeLand can be traced back to the days of slavery. During the 1800s, enslaved Africans were brought to Florida to work on the state's farms and plantations. After the Civil War and the end of slavery, many African Americans moved to DeLand in search of new opportunities and a better life. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, African Americans in DeLand formed their own communities and institutions.

The Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, founded in 1894, became a cornerstone of the African American community in DeLand. The church served as a meeting place for the community and a source of spiritual guidance and support. It played a vital role in the social and cultural life of the African American community, hosting events such as weddings, funerals, and social gatherings. Today, Mount Zion remains an important institution in DeLand's African American community.

Civil Rights Movement

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, DeLand played a significant role in the fight for racial equality. Local leaders like Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Howard Thurman were instrumental in organizing peaceful protests and advocating for change.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was a prominent civil rights activist and educator who founded the National Council of Negro Women and Bethune-Cookman University. She was a vocal advocate for racial and gender equality and fought tirelessly to ensure that African Americans had access to education and opportunity.

Dr. Howard Thurman was a philosopher, theologian, and civil rights leader who helped to inspire and guide the movement for racial equality. He was a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a key figure in the development of the nonviolent resistance strategy that was used during the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1960, a group of African American college students from Bethune-Cookman University organized a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in downtown DeLand. Their actions sparked a movement for desegregation in the town. The students faced arrests and threats, but their courage and determination paved the way for future generations to enjoy the benefits of desegregation.

Achievements and Accomplishments

Despite facing challenges and obstacles, African Americans in DeLand have made significant achievements and contributions to the town's history and culture. From the arts to education to business, African Americans in DeLand have made their mark on the town and beyond.

Ralph Hunter was a renowned artist and educator who founded the African American Museum of the Arts in DeLand. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the works of African American artists and promoting the rich cultural heritage of African Americans.

William Monroe Wells was a successful businessman and entrepreneur who owned and operated the Wells' Built Hotel in DeLand, a safe haven for African Americans during the era of segregation. The hotel provided lodging and entertainment for African American visitors to the town and was a hub of social and cultural activity.

The achievements of African Americans in DeLand continue to inspire and inform future generations. Their contributions to the town's history and culture serve as a reminder of the power of determination, perseverance, and unity.

In conclusion, the story of DeLand's African American community is an inspiring tale of resilience, courage, and determination. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, African Americans in DeLand have made significant contributions to the town's growth and development, and their achievements continue to inspire and inform future generations.

The struggles and challenges that African Americans in DeLand faced are a reminder of the injustices that have been perpetuated throughout history, but they also demonstrate the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and create positive change. The Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, founded in 1894, served as a hub of social and cultural activity, providing a source of support and guidance for the African American community. Local leaders like Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Howard Thurman were instrumental in organizing peaceful protests and advocating for change, paving the way for future generations to enjoy the benefits of desegregation.

Despite facing challenges and obstacles, African Americans in DeLand have made significant achievements and contributions to the town's history and culture. Ralph Hunter, a renowned artist and educator, founded the African American Museum of the Arts in DeLand to showcase the works of African American artists and promote the rich cultural heritage of African Americans. William Monroe Wells, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, owned and operated the Wells' Built Hotel in DeLand, a safe haven for African Americans during the era of segregation. These achievements continue to inspire and inform future generations, serving as a reminder of the power of determination, perseverance, and unity.

At the DeLand Historical Society, I'm dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of DeLand, including the important role played by its African American community. I invite you to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the history of DeLand. I'm here to answer your questions, provide information, and connect you with resources to help you explore the town's diverse and vibrant past.

Thank you for your interest in the history of DeLand and the contributions of its African American community. I hope that this blog post has provided a glimpse into the fascinating history of this town and the inspiring individuals who have shaped it.