Event in Showcasing Linda Lee's Quilt Pieces

Orange County Public Works' Black History Month

    At the Orange County Public Works' Black History Month celebration on February 23, the Farmworker Association took the stage. Ms. Linda Lee passionately recounted her life as a Lake Apopka Farmworker, vividly portraying the challenges of working conditions, discrimination, and pesticide exposure. 

 In a captivating presentation, Ms. Lee showcased her beautiful quilt pieces, leaving a lasting impact on the audience, many of whom shared personal connections to agricultural roots. The event also featured the insightful Ms. Barbara Chandler from the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, who delved into the history of Winter Park's Black Community, addressing issues of displacement due to gentrification.

    The orchestrated event, adorned with cultural decorations, a video address by County Mayor Demings, and a powerful recitation of Maya Angelou's "And Still I Rise" by department workers, fostered a profound connection between public sector workers and the hardworking farm communities. The resonance was so significant that three copies of the book "Fed Up: The High Costs of Cheap Food" were sold to those eager to delve deeper into Linda's story. Kudos to the OCPW Department for orchestrating a meaningful event that celebrated Black History and established a bridge of understanding between diverse communities. 

By Analee Monrreal