Monday, February 26, 2024
Event in Showcasing Linda Lee's Quilt Pieces
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
History Center
Black Heritage and Culture at
the History Center
Monday, February 19, 2024
New Hope Community Event
Black History Month Event
On February 6th, 2023, in Apopka, the community came together at New Hope Church to commemorate Black History Month and pay tribute to the contributions of black farmworkers who have played a significant role in the Apopka's history. Linda Lee brought her beautiful collection of quilt pieces, each with a unique story and design, to showcase the rich history, stories, and strength of these farmworkers. Linda's grandchildren and great-grandchildren also attended the event, adding to the sense of community and togetherness.
The event was a fitting tribute to the vital contributions of black farmworkers in the community's development, and it highlighted the richness and diversity of the local culture.
By Analee Monrreal
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month: Labor of Love Mural Project
The Farmworker Association of Florida is commemorating Black History Month by showcasing the restoration of the Labor of Love Mural Project. The project celebrates the history of a once-vibrant Black farmworker community in South Apopka, Florida.
Over the years, the community faced several challenges, including economic exploitation, racial segregation, and environmental injustices. Despite these challenges, the community continued to fight for their rights and built a strong sense of solidarity that has been captured in the Labor of Love Mural Project.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
In Celebration and In Memory of Lessie Stephens
On June 21, 2023, Ms. Lessie Stephens laid her burdens down and transitioned to another realm. Ms. Lessie was 84 years old. A former Lake Apopka farmworker, and a member of the Farmworker Association of Florida African American/Black Lake Apopka farmworker leadership group, Ms. Lessie recalled and shared with others her experiences as a farmworker in Florida. Soft-spoken, sweet, and with a beautiful and winning smile that warmed the heart, Ms. Lessie participated in meetings, gatherings, and events at FWAF, and in the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilt Project. She also shared her personal life story as part of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program of the University of Florida.
Ms. Lessie had worked at a local ornamental plant nursery in Apopka for many years, where she became knowledgeable about plants and mete many friends and community members. She loved getting dressed up and going to church, where she sang in a gospel group called Voices of Faith. Ms. Lessie remains forever in your hearts and memories, even as she lives on through her family and the legacy she has left behind.
Rest in Peace, Ms. Lessie.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Linda Lee at the 2023 Annual Florida Brownfields Confrence
Monday, June 12, 2023
Linda Lee and Yesica Ramirez Honored by FSU Law School
Story-telling can certainly be emotionally taxing and can require a great deal of vulnerability for the the story-teller. We work very hard to ensure plenty of time for our staff and community members to tell their stories to the students during the Alternative Spring Break program. These stories are deeply important and provide deeper insight into the issues that these students will face when they become lawyers and are serving the public. This award is a beautiful way for the Alternative Spring Break group to recognize and acknowledge the importance of these stories and the people who tell them; we are eternally grateful for these students' willingness to be open, to listen, and to learn. Thank you FSU law students, and thank you Linda and Yesica for sharing your important stories!