tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11871825298878985652024-03-13T10:55:24.378-07:00Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilt ProjectFWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-45872030993732316872024-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:002024-02-26T12:57:14.039-08:00Event in Showcasing Linda Lee's Quilt Pieces<h2 style="text-align: center;">Orange County Public Works' Black History Month</h2><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAdwY6su0pyo-kv3e81J1QdhHFhHTbLLIiEV-3YWSuOg0UIyF0u1e3VkJgTdURv5RgA1mqLo2HbfGfdfiJYVmcMdStYXTVjiLDKK1Rz9Y_-F5PylMGErpsdg8JxCDSteEM4siiosfqY51rka4HrDNfKLXnhZxji39BsqcR9FyL5fjhFYcTWAvjz3P_Xct/s4032/IMG_7476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAdwY6su0pyo-kv3e81J1QdhHFhHTbLLIiEV-3YWSuOg0UIyF0u1e3VkJgTdURv5RgA1mqLo2HbfGfdfiJYVmcMdStYXTVjiLDKK1Rz9Y_-F5PylMGErpsdg8JxCDSteEM4siiosfqY51rka4HrDNfKLXnhZxji39BsqcR9FyL5fjhFYcTWAvjz3P_Xct/w286-h210/IMG_7476.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TowrCMINjwRGpT6YAN0xTVlrzJ-Drn4fq8WXx7RjeVQsidDgS9VjW7S7W60CX-EEtM4mIzk2-FOdq3dtoYgJBT3iWJ_0xXoWlk8_KAvlVcDij6dXaVoWAdBFx4LCRvQMxCsLH6WphMzO3u9y7bBiw2Hj6ksj3AcaG6aJuUX1ArMsOJFamSIbf7XeZKFL/s4032/IMG_7483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TowrCMINjwRGpT6YAN0xTVlrzJ-Drn4fq8WXx7RjeVQsidDgS9VjW7S7W60CX-EEtM4mIzk2-FOdq3dtoYgJBT3iWJ_0xXoWlk8_KAvlVcDij6dXaVoWAdBFx4LCRvQMxCsLH6WphMzO3u9y7bBiw2Hj6ksj3AcaG6aJuUX1ArMsOJFamSIbf7XeZKFL/s320/IMG_7483.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span> </span>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.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuUdOblHXf6vTcTvi22FBo6_HQ-GM3o0YySiklZSJf9O1OuDLfnJXfw9zDz4MCxb5Zs02U-TxYCkk-9uhyUglQH9eanTaD-L7V_o3545T31et7ONRW7CMdQWzRGMqag4O3MtpBQb-bRmln0wvrsOqIlBlxXFA3rWzQnTpPhhvVzcbMs8xKH3KvfI89H2J/s4032/IMG_7491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuUdOblHXf6vTcTvi22FBo6_HQ-GM3o0YySiklZSJf9O1OuDLfnJXfw9zDz4MCxb5Zs02U-TxYCkk-9uhyUglQH9eanTaD-L7V_o3545T31et7ONRW7CMdQWzRGMqag4O3MtpBQb-bRmln0wvrsOqIlBlxXFA3rWzQnTpPhhvVzcbMs8xKH3KvfI89H2J/s320/IMG_7491.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSV6PxyXMnPVkPwEKGETM1Ilo22QIrKXfCW3woIcBdX9QsOSmbsT3iPnTaseoQfMUrrizMgETeonsoEqWIfd1A4jsmgZwJQgL-hqepmeChIqkOfzwiupz8KKvJWRbWLuErX48DT5YpHJXLi9adsNw4KegwByny33dca344-Jn-gYiIfViiahPwLpxDW6S/s4032/IMG_7492.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSV6PxyXMnPVkPwEKGETM1Ilo22QIrKXfCW3woIcBdX9QsOSmbsT3iPnTaseoQfMUrrizMgETeonsoEqWIfd1A4jsmgZwJQgL-hqepmeChIqkOfzwiupz8KKvJWRbWLuErX48DT5YpHJXLi9adsNw4KegwByny33dca344-Jn-gYiIfViiahPwLpxDW6S/s320/IMG_7492.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>The orchestrated event, adorned with cultural decorations, a video address by County Mayor Demings, and a powerful recitation of Maya Angelou's "<i>And Still I Rise</i>" 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 "<i>Fed Up: The High Costs of Cheap Food</i>" 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. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNemp8nuksu3QtGsQ3XS7ZfPxhrd8VCWIucuTix3OnubY80ESYDYsouOilpZ1_yL_ZB88GAIUSV84-VDfJH92yP2EO6faV4Y4yMQb4L80h7qzfzcLdnupHZ_u1F9WCAUnPLSYe5maS9zcmMjdJEBXRUJOyU_mCSyiPSUE7wTm1BFa2lCcjpGoUig81yGs_/s4032/IMG_7514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNemp8nuksu3QtGsQ3XS7ZfPxhrd8VCWIucuTix3OnubY80ESYDYsouOilpZ1_yL_ZB88GAIUSV84-VDfJH92yP2EO6faV4Y4yMQb4L80h7qzfzcLdnupHZ_u1F9WCAUnPLSYe5maS9zcmMjdJEBXRUJOyU_mCSyiPSUE7wTm1BFa2lCcjpGoUig81yGs_/w369-h277/IMG_7514.jpg" width="369" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">By Analee Monrreal </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-23749504381537513172024-02-20T10:26:00.000-08:002024-02-20T12:50:31.240-08:00History Center<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Black Heritage and Culture at</h3><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the History Center</h3><div><div><span> </span>In Orlando, on February 17, Linda Lee's family and supporters were at the second annual "Honoring Black Heritage and Culture" at the History Center. The event was a grand celebration of the remarkable impact that African Americans have had on the arts, music, cultural movements, and more. It was a vibrant and lively gathering for people to come together to learn, share, and celebrate the rich and diverse history and culture of the African American community.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZbUAnUVetuz7UEVwGI3Z2tqetmUnVrRQ69TACLELVjY_tTpOZoeynabsUUpkgo6AkYo4xblXcaMDiaO4BIZzQVs-R_YoqpljBXGODuk3vyHznkLO2hW_T9_901R4eexUIXtryHzjaEYzVzHPwHcS3PbrAHR09e30A2A4YYVYvYicD4cy2k-nf1d4bneG/s4032/H.C%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZbUAnUVetuz7UEVwGI3Z2tqetmUnVrRQ69TACLELVjY_tTpOZoeynabsUUpkgo6AkYo4xblXcaMDiaO4BIZzQVs-R_YoqpljBXGODuk3vyHznkLO2hW_T9_901R4eexUIXtryHzjaEYzVzHPwHcS3PbrAHR09e30A2A4YYVYvYicD4cy2k-nf1d4bneG/s320/H.C%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO2OyPT2kA4CWR4MYrx32t5AZD-lQbDunFqyjxZEVwqoFslg8uKLvqymbONiZ9yzhZ2VDxQJK9YSWhiKkMIvnFfreuY0GQsGNwo_evvzYhK8naDHqs5_WV2X5jDcCflIhMO_CaUBcqMMy03_sHKfpetbwzNtEClCQxRmCXDbxNR66YupIjE9VbXwpxg9v/s4032/H.C%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO2OyPT2kA4CWR4MYrx32t5AZD-lQbDunFqyjxZEVwqoFslg8uKLvqymbONiZ9yzhZ2VDxQJK9YSWhiKkMIvnFfreuY0GQsGNwo_evvzYhK8naDHqs5_WV2X5jDcCflIhMO_CaUBcqMMy03_sHKfpetbwzNtEClCQxRmCXDbxNR66YupIjE9VbXwpxg9v/s320/H.C%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span> </span>The event was organized around the theme of African Americans as leaders in the arts and their significant contributions. There were several exhibits showcasing the history of African American art, music, literature, and culture, which were both informative and engaging. The highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring several prominent African American artists, musicians, and cultural leaders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUARx_jvwxH59BF4t837DPqJcVFgdp0224qst-3qCC9iQlIjbc33V-HI2YnfRZnO5WmuyHvIUOJNFu0mXMd2cJ6Q6g7hLUewIQdgb8qQIRa1Ppj3R7cVY9eoWxPma2TDMYFRj_WyUMViRkNDN2LW6LWLlUgGIFa6ehIm3yxcpjYX2RLkhneZxWralEn_9m/s4032/History%20Center%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUARx_jvwxH59BF4t837DPqJcVFgdp0224qst-3qCC9iQlIjbc33V-HI2YnfRZnO5WmuyHvIUOJNFu0mXMd2cJ6Q6g7hLUewIQdgb8qQIRa1Ppj3R7cVY9eoWxPma2TDMYFRj_WyUMViRkNDN2LW6LWLlUgGIFa6ehIm3yxcpjYX2RLkhneZxWralEn_9m/s320/History%20Center%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span> </span>Supporters of Linda Lee, including her granddaughter and great-grandsons, gathered to honor the black community at this event. It's heartwarming to see how supporters like them bring their rich culture to the forefront and make this community proud.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQwvefnhyMOSM6WO2LVbrrZ_7xQBsGw5oZrM6s5KDcLsmtwXpKQsv3bcyMN-FVDgzDMXsRb6rQ8LSh9blOpDZnir4loHBU63sMtNtVbQfwxxEW5PI9paoxS9iClYt2rHI7dG79LAWLDMIwBoayGjGrjewV4rmGyztgut4CbDGGGx4hosUMhrDmgxnm7WO/s4032/FEB%2017%20blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQwvefnhyMOSM6WO2LVbrrZ_7xQBsGw5oZrM6s5KDcLsmtwXpKQsv3bcyMN-FVDgzDMXsRb6rQ8LSh9blOpDZnir4loHBU63sMtNtVbQfwxxEW5PI9paoxS9iClYt2rHI7dG79LAWLDMIwBoayGjGrjewV4rmGyztgut4CbDGGGx4hosUMhrDmgxnm7WO/s320/FEB%2017%20blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By Analee Monrreal</div><br /> <p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-34197852449894211242024-02-19T09:01:00.000-08:002024-02-19T14:18:06.084-08:00New Hope Community Event<p></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b> Black History Month Event</b></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /><span> </span>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. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9igOKotFgt7Y6tna3tMNwEV9z0ecQxZkoy0BiRKGBbe0mPuvA0ueO6JHSoGymBB4EoWzu7jK2zqNRlTJ2UJCvv4sKgOaW_j78Nom_0PMJo0Gu1iKCCFEI7K5s_deYMJN0LTOaM-wz8HhlcRoyetk5EkwtxbzkC-H0QMVOSly96ICNzpSfOUX5xFiQKngc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="883" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9igOKotFgt7Y6tna3tMNwEV9z0ecQxZkoy0BiRKGBbe0mPuvA0ueO6JHSoGymBB4EoWzu7jK2zqNRlTJ2UJCvv4sKgOaW_j78Nom_0PMJo0Gu1iKCCFEI7K5s_deYMJN0LTOaM-wz8HhlcRoyetk5EkwtxbzkC-H0QMVOSly96ICNzpSfOUX5xFiQKngc=w211-h280" width="211" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TO3EOC8NCXmfCnIdTVfbryMapet4sXzPXbnF2eL6yNjsLuED79_YGPvc4VcF6CmvgQFgHRUDDALOW4Glsafe5YAUtkJ-DuVxuvsKOeRQp2Id0vZ31qSWnVnbBymftaN9nnid32QrSwicCN4wR0V-kJiHRcw2nUUkjt51KobJ0UqqlCxP8qn6svrioeIU/s4032/BHM1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TO3EOC8NCXmfCnIdTVfbryMapet4sXzPXbnF2eL6yNjsLuED79_YGPvc4VcF6CmvgQFgHRUDDALOW4Glsafe5YAUtkJ-DuVxuvsKOeRQp2Id0vZ31qSWnVnbBymftaN9nnid32QrSwicCN4wR0V-kJiHRcw2nUUkjt51KobJ0UqqlCxP8qn6svrioeIU/w212-h282/BHM1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The occasion was marked by drumming, adding to the event's atmosphere. Linda's famous potato soup was served, which was famously known throughout the community for its heartiness and delicious flavor. The dishes served at the event were a testament to the rich culinary traditions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiv15JYb1V4v9e1fYVgbYjVX0-rSD0u9CCVC_n1WHySB2s3QdkwV0wE6CAI-bIf-EssFcEiljHAE8M0GQmWjnvIzbu8D5N0D761uhwayaAj2i4zzOyUo-WB9Lcm2A62ebe6tP-0mhqqMpDfa-Lqm9rWXCmfErmkv36kjPuDcIHDCDSoArPs5l5a4Zf5Dq/s1220/bhm3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="905" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiv15JYb1V4v9e1fYVgbYjVX0-rSD0u9CCVC_n1WHySB2s3QdkwV0wE6CAI-bIf-EssFcEiljHAE8M0GQmWjnvIzbu8D5N0D761uhwayaAj2i4zzOyUo-WB9Lcm2A62ebe6tP-0mhqqMpDfa-Lqm9rWXCmfErmkv36kjPuDcIHDCDSoArPs5l5a4Zf5Dq/w296-h400/bhm3.jpeg" width="296" /></a></div></div></div></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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.</div></div></div></div><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">By Analee Monrreal </p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #26282a; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /><!--[endif]--></span></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-45316075405430373892024-02-13T07:30:00.000-08:002024-02-13T07:30:07.142-08:00Celebrating Black History Month<blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">Black History Month: Labor of Love Mural Project<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><span> </span>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.</p><p><span> </span>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.</p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYs41dhjjqEuxmht3ITRDYevQzt-7IwrzmHqIJCVl_JNkYdlLrNztykws1j1MhUENCGD1e3kxSxD2d9mnneZwybEaBWvIJ0q9bdeAUp-a6lPLY1GGm2DB4Da1-GL-WZhdi-jnPTFrUP8qqdTzlSVsAAHfmy1uc885jol_9rqREdrXhJjvT4GRwu_Of-lR/s4032/Mural%20-%20restoration_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYs41dhjjqEuxmht3ITRDYevQzt-7IwrzmHqIJCVl_JNkYdlLrNztykws1j1MhUENCGD1e3kxSxD2d9mnneZwybEaBWvIJ0q9bdeAUp-a6lPLY1GGm2DB4Da1-GL-WZhdi-jnPTFrUP8qqdTzlSVsAAHfmy1uc885jol_9rqREdrXhJjvT4GRwu_Of-lR/w288-h216/Mural%20-%20restoration_2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAY98dtW8XFvm6zPY7D3Qk6FQFZZpRdyVuPblmW6pn3RnGQ4JBQae-CYDvLpx8JQth1xiw33Fx4Uz647a5rCwUKFUCBBSJjuS4wdMMQNoYBFRZ77Verz0kyj5Q0Ml9uXTbgbaYmeHgRV-DVrMoJutPd6dbP2aZYmFB44_GYyq_kJugpabLqYcJK_Y6l1v/s4032/Mural%201.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAY98dtW8XFvm6zPY7D3Qk6FQFZZpRdyVuPblmW6pn3RnGQ4JBQae-CYDvLpx8JQth1xiw33Fx4Uz647a5rCwUKFUCBBSJjuS4wdMMQNoYBFRZ77Verz0kyj5Q0Ml9uXTbgbaYmeHgRV-DVrMoJutPd6dbP2aZYmFB44_GYyq_kJugpabLqYcJK_Y6l1v/w305-h229/Mural%201.jpg" width="305" /></a></p><div><br /></div><span> </span>Unfortunately, the mural had to be relocated to a new location, and in the process, it sustained some damage. However, the community has come together to restore the mural to its former glory and keep the legacy of the Black community alive. The restoration project involves local volunteers and community members who are working to ensure that every detail of the mural is restored.<div><br /></div><div><span> </span>The project has two goals: restoring the mural and educating the youth about their local history. The FWAF believes that reviving the mural can motivate the younger generation to take pride in their heritage and strive to build a more equitable and just society.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>By: Analee Monrreal</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"> </p></blockquote></div>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-34786167215785460792023-09-06T12:05:00.000-07:002023-09-06T12:05:59.118-07:00In Celebration and In Memory of Lessie Stephens <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGuEYkA9FI9UmV4ztZihzxDUeDZ3IzKNGMj2dywoeDvqUFt1yfBI9NpCPjH5CSBsOvqm5cKOJXECEs2BtPPWf3XyMZ9P9TJE7xD37EGcM1hwPo2FtRyS5z-s1LuGZ1RMLNR8UTZBJw-j_mdZTV0AghH_oeH9GwiqaGeutrTe_hNFghTgrgiS1QFyPAYIh/s5152/Lessie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGuEYkA9FI9UmV4ztZihzxDUeDZ3IzKNGMj2dywoeDvqUFt1yfBI9NpCPjH5CSBsOvqm5cKOJXECEs2BtPPWf3XyMZ9P9TJE7xD37EGcM1hwPo2FtRyS5z-s1LuGZ1RMLNR8UTZBJw-j_mdZTV0AghH_oeH9GwiqaGeutrTe_hNFghTgrgiS1QFyPAYIh/w282-h376/Lessie.JPG" width="282" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> 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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">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</span>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rest in Peace, Ms. Lessie. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-15885355814154132962023-06-20T13:28:00.002-07:002023-06-20T13:28:23.485-07:00Linda Lee at the 2023 Annual Florida Brownfields Confrence<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9zVEE9KGkC4KKDS0Q2d0RbItUzBJbp543C9LoJAgnHohMsRSIsMdbA9CyZTO46Y7TKLM1pIo48oXRpIERJxr_iC701MwkK8nKtuePsWG6fIez1IMK8U42jaH6C4B19N1PKQ6VOuJPxEkC6Ok6QSCoH42AMzxBt2RtcdEEQSF6m7DFqmWH3aa3ItRBY_t/s4032/Brownfields%20conference%2023%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9zVEE9KGkC4KKDS0Q2d0RbItUzBJbp543C9LoJAgnHohMsRSIsMdbA9CyZTO46Y7TKLM1pIo48oXRpIERJxr_iC701MwkK8nKtuePsWG6fIez1IMK8U42jaH6C4B19N1PKQ6VOuJPxEkC6Ok6QSCoH42AMzxBt2RtcdEEQSF6m7DFqmWH3aa3ItRBY_t/w353-h470/Brownfields%20conference%2023%202.jpeg" width="353" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Linda Lee continues to use her talent of storytelling to educate others on environmental justice! Miss Lee spoke at this year's <a href="https://www.floridabrownfields.com/about-us" target="_blank">Florida Brownfields</a> Conference in Orlando! One of her main goals in speaking was to spread awareness about the state of Lake Apopka and the surrounding communities; this area has still not recovered from the years of pesticide use on the farms, and is now suffering from other kinds of environmental injustice and racism (for example: landfills and medical waste incinerators in Apopka neighborhoods of predominantly people of color). When discussing brownfield sites, it's important to remember that it's not enough to simply pave over poisoned Earth. Proper evaluation of the sites, appropriate and thorough clean-up, and ensuring that the waste from the cleanups aren't simply dumped in another neighborhood are critical to making meaningful changes in community and environmental health. The surrounding communities of Lake Apopka have been widely developed over, yet the environmental health risks still remain and people- mostly people of color- are suffering as a result. Lee tells her story in hopes that these mistakes will not be made again, and that brownfield cleanups are done with justice in mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span> </span><span> </span>She spoke at the Annual Environmental Justice and Equity Community Caucus and Listening Session, and used her time to recount her experience as a Lake Apopka farmworker and the environmental racism she and her community faced and continue to face today. Additionally, we set up educational materials at the conference's tabling room. At our table, we included the red Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilt and a tri-fold board with copies of newspapers, studies, and first hand accounts of the injustices suffered in Lake Apopka farms. We also brought copies of "Fed Up: The High Costs of Cheap Food" by Dale Slongwhite which features Lake Apopka farmworker stories (check it out <a href="https://upf.com/book.asp?id=9780813049847" target="_blank">HERE</a>), along with some other literature about the Farmworker Association. We also had the privilege of listening in for the Regional Planning Council as Environmental Justice Advocates: Tailoring Public Engagement Strategies to Implement Successful Brownfield Redevelopment. In this panel, county leaders from around the state presented the brownfields projects in their areas and their processes for community involvement. We feel deeply privileged and grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to allow Linda Lee to tell her critically important story.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxIFpEZfA8_7pxMzsHj5YyQrbH9MZvfAaMn7VPVlvUIOUjAx-eL9K7eevPbeSYHtASNYHw2u7ZP091RtnWn4X4h71Y0i75gjlhyfEtYVg6CFj0PEh2_-p8MlgC02QdUln3Mk9VnJOauDzh37bAX1KVvQD1_ldBVUHWWZAHnJn7veNUYklZs-WD2fWJocj/s4032/Brownfields%20conference%2023%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxIFpEZfA8_7pxMzsHj5YyQrbH9MZvfAaMn7VPVlvUIOUjAx-eL9K7eevPbeSYHtASNYHw2u7ZP091RtnWn4X4h71Y0i75gjlhyfEtYVg6CFj0PEh2_-p8MlgC02QdUln3Mk9VnJOauDzh37bAX1KVvQD1_ldBVUHWWZAHnJn7veNUYklZs-WD2fWJocj/w385-h513/Brownfields%20conference%2023%201.jpeg" width="385" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer</i></div><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-6102089619244822152023-06-12T11:50:00.006-07:002023-06-12T12:07:27.968-07:00Linda Lee and Yesica Ramirez Honored by FSU Law School<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5i1XSnb8kYFVuaKkO_Vl680gQofDokaG9HerHw34SdWxAKjda52_6gMjQvLL9tnZTk0Yl9hs0ryyL0yAuIeHYHufjlCqly3Fw3R_E2eqsRjLrGp-j_ugkOEblmCMD_HzkhtEeLNzc6pxGGfE-9ssldUA4bpoMzZ3Tg3QiEduW6hRnwODvLR8x3wRtQ/s4032/Linda%20and%20Yesica.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5i1XSnb8kYFVuaKkO_Vl680gQofDokaG9HerHw34SdWxAKjda52_6gMjQvLL9tnZTk0Yl9hs0ryyL0yAuIeHYHufjlCqly3Fw3R_E2eqsRjLrGp-j_ugkOEblmCMD_HzkhtEeLNzc6pxGGfE-9ssldUA4bpoMzZ3Tg3QiEduW6hRnwODvLR8x3wRtQ/w360-h480/Linda%20and%20Yesica.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span>Linda Lee and Yesica Ramirez were both recipients of the 2022-2023 Community Advocate Award from Florida State University's Public Interest Law Center! This incredible gift is to highlight their contribution to the Alternative Spring Break Program, in special recognition of them sharing their personal stories of farmwork, of racism, of immigration, and of the dangerous effects of pesticide on human health. </span><p></p><p><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> 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!</span></span></span></p><p><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>by Finn Spencer</i></span></div> <p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-34549740506528626262023-05-09T14:52:00.002-07:002023-06-08T09:51:47.318-07:00The Reinstallation of the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Mural<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mural Updates!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZbPvSXg8Cd7eOGzSAsDnEYGWGMyg3RGg6KDJIq6QhK8VKjQHXfWxB83q-H2vXpFAAR1DezegFzPcdJXIm2sIARI8fuqmgJPqX4inoRHnAJKGG72-Hb0_RrpKmsaDfgof1KTmtN7kVQt1rrey0LqgYTMheouAfmMGuTYUSHg6e97m_bJeuo7yI4aJ9g/s4032/Mural%20Reinstallation%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZbPvSXg8Cd7eOGzSAsDnEYGWGMyg3RGg6KDJIq6QhK8VKjQHXfWxB83q-H2vXpFAAR1DezegFzPcdJXIm2sIARI8fuqmgJPqX4inoRHnAJKGG72-Hb0_RrpKmsaDfgof1KTmtN7kVQt1rrey0LqgYTMheouAfmMGuTYUSHg6e97m_bJeuo7yI4aJ9g/s320/Mural%20Reinstallation%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span> It's been a long time coming! About a year and a half ago, our beautiful community mural had to be removed. While some parts of the mural were unsalvageable, as they were painted directly on the building, the bulk of the work was done on removable wooden panels. With no other place to go, the panels had to be kept outside in the Billie Dean Community Garden in Apopka. It took quite some time for the team to find a new, permanent home for the art project, but that day has finally come!</span></p><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG7lEGY8zQEsGVcuFuWieCLC5K14RtDNSyDUyZp0rgQPIDcZA6HRuWvA_sPFudOhxvS6OX6hHqmu0oGE9dbFcKKgnmKgy5zvWyyDzU7GbUmKm97cd9_jv45tFCrA3dVOC21tySF318jLFVMtDWWh66Eibnnnc5yX0FjL-k0BbV38r4Y7Tgbp6rdGEoQ/s4032/Mural%20Reinstallation%20%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG7lEGY8zQEsGVcuFuWieCLC5K14RtDNSyDUyZp0rgQPIDcZA6HRuWvA_sPFudOhxvS6OX6hHqmu0oGE9dbFcKKgnmKgy5zvWyyDzU7GbUmKm97cd9_jv45tFCrA3dVOC21tySF318jLFVMtDWWh66Eibnnnc5yX0FjL-k0BbV38r4Y7Tgbp6rdGEoQ/s320/Mural%20Reinstallation%20%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span> With much help from </span><a href="http://www.thebigpotatofoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Big Potato Foundation</a><span>- an organization that works to cultivate healthy central Florida communities- we were able to get approval from the city of Apopka place the mural outside of the Billie Dean Community Garden! The posts were laid and the panels were all hung on May First! However, there's a lot of work to do and the story of our mural doesn't end here.</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkrrw220mnZALwUv97EfDktEdrnEfBtM5C-zb2x1P3lBCy3FPTBqXy9ZXZX1EHtyudoLLSn7fxtkmwZShqYfORRXQMF9TBfbMiwRNvTvgmMH11ww2JPUxjV2TzCSkMU5ofJnNfwiBjTgMFFFvfeGgZ5cJhUHQzLvEZU__wVB68o_-k4qGE0BzCi2HFQ/s4032/Mural%20Reinstallation%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkrrw220mnZALwUv97EfDktEdrnEfBtM5C-zb2x1P3lBCy3FPTBqXy9ZXZX1EHtyudoLLSn7fxtkmwZShqYfORRXQMF9TBfbMiwRNvTvgmMH11ww2JPUxjV2TzCSkMU5ofJnNfwiBjTgMFFFvfeGgZ5cJhUHQzLvEZU__wVB68o_-k4qGE0BzCi2HFQ/s320/Mural%20Reinstallation%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span> After so much time out in the Florida elements, the mural has really taken a toll. The panels sat outside for several hurricanes, nearly two years of the hot Florida sun, and some flooding. The wood is warped pretty severely, and the term "touch-up" doesn't even begin to describe what the paint job needs. we're currently doing our best to plan for the refurbishment of the mural. We're very confident that we can restore it! We're going to finish this the way we started it: with and for the community of Apopka.</span><br /></p><p><span><span> We have a plan! We're going to wait a few weeks to begin any work, because we'd like to give the mural a chance to dry out as much as possible. In the mean time, we're working to re-organize the community to help us! First, we're going to take the best photos we can because next we will have to gently wash the mural- we're expecting to lose some paint, which is why we're taking photos first. After that, we'll prime the spots that need it before we start re-painting! After painting the fun bits, we'll have to paint a coat of sealant to protect the panels the best we can. that's the bulk of it!</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span> The second half of this plan is to restore the parts of the mural that were originally painted directly on the original building. We're missing most on one tree, and the sun. We plan to add more panels for these! However, the additions are not being prioritized right now, as we must work to save the mural we have before we can expand.</span></span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQctZpeAc8mqvV36BoVRV-xU_iU56_Zv7Y5JEiwLQmJj98KROfezqZbz6iM1dY41GrcbfhEhIeL3m6IF03AeIuU2il2GSED_Jx5tEArphm1trxQFkq3lRcY448JwUYMvghJNnakdJ-jcRHMO2ISgFybVUn4tzFj12WsHbXITQ3xAzCtn5WxPXRyaxcHA/s4032/Mural%20Reinstallation%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQctZpeAc8mqvV36BoVRV-xU_iU56_Zv7Y5JEiwLQmJj98KROfezqZbz6iM1dY41GrcbfhEhIeL3m6IF03AeIuU2il2GSED_Jx5tEArphm1trxQFkq3lRcY448JwUYMvghJNnakdJ-jcRHMO2ISgFybVUn4tzFj12WsHbXITQ3xAzCtn5WxPXRyaxcHA/s320/Mural%20Reinstallation%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We're so excited to have this update for you! Be sure to follow along to watch the progress we'll make!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></div><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-53111061315582298692023-04-11T14:40:00.006-07:002023-06-08T09:51:32.192-07:00Cesar Chavez Day Field Trip with the University of Central Florida<p> On March 31st, FWAF celebrated Cesar Chavez Day with students from the University of Central Florida! here's a look into how we spent the day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptA4__7sYcEx4vgKIx-c7zthAnUuiagHmdpCzSnq8iOuMVDvD8mG4yN0t5SoGoKWAyL3q7DO9oop_jfZrizf1y8azqXOFb11BHs_hqYNkuE8HjNrvEUg74ZmaL15LUBx93gvjqfqewBcLcPGvG7ngD2O2TWKRMM_pxi1b7WKQAs9X5msKZi-IaP1jqw/s5472/IMG_2100.CR2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptA4__7sYcEx4vgKIx-c7zthAnUuiagHmdpCzSnq8iOuMVDvD8mG4yN0t5SoGoKWAyL3q7DO9oop_jfZrizf1y8azqXOFb11BHs_hqYNkuE8HjNrvEUg74ZmaL15LUBx93gvjqfqewBcLcPGvG7ngD2O2TWKRMM_pxi1b7WKQAs9X5msKZi-IaP1jqw/w350-h233/IMG_2100.CR2" width="350" /></a></div>The students arrived at our Apopka office at about 10AM. We started to morning off with a brief orientation about what they could expect for the day. We touched on things like pesticide exposure, lack of workplace protections, and other injustices that farmworkers face daily. After this, we originally planned to do some work alongside farmworkers at a local nursery. However, after students learned about the risks of pesticide exposure, everyone decided that a change of plans was most appropriate. Instead, we went on a "mini" Lake Apopka Toxic Tour. Unfortunately, most of the stops of the original tour are no longer visit-able. These sites, former Lake Apopka farmlands, have largely been developed over. There is simply nothing left to see. What's left is the lake itself, some newer nurseries, landfills, a pesticide packaging facility, and a medical waste incinerator. All of these stops in in or near residential areas- a prime example of the environmental racism in Apopka that still prevails. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDehTJLjyJ98ltrXTmiLvmf_3L58t5AKdb891S_ezepwFfWGgW6bJWtjY9HctBy-el7NsVuZYhqv39xlvRBIihgvk5hEjR-7kpZF_-zwVWFdcNBehUhIXmwhiQMhnUZsJM3Zoc9N6rPx-DsVWhSnvAt1mgnszGogx_Oi72skMh-bCTmgjmLtgkF8KeMQ/s5472/IMG_2185.CR2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDehTJLjyJ98ltrXTmiLvmf_3L58t5AKdb891S_ezepwFfWGgW6bJWtjY9HctBy-el7NsVuZYhqv39xlvRBIihgvk5hEjR-7kpZF_-zwVWFdcNBehUhIXmwhiQMhnUZsJM3Zoc9N6rPx-DsVWhSnvAt1mgnszGogx_Oi72skMh-bCTmgjmLtgkF8KeMQ/s320/IMG_2185.CR2" width="213" /></a></div>After the the morning activities, the group bussed back to the FWAF office to eat lunch, discuss the morning events, and watch one of our videos, <i>Los Naranjeros</i>, about the community of migrant farmworkers in Florida. From there, we moved to our community garden! This garden is our community's slice of victory in agroecology, food justice, and food sovereignty. The students worked together to build a new patch of raised beds in the garden, weed out beds, and clean up our greenhouse. After this, we visited Ms. Linda Lee to hear her story. Ms. Linda Lee was a farmworker for several decades, and a large portion of this time was spent on Lake Apopka farms, where she was experienced pesticide exposure, racism, and other hardships of farmworker life. She also showed us some of her famous quilt pieces that depict her memories and experiences as a farmworker, along with some new projects of hers- dolls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD29CU6NLU3yCftHXCVJK-JMvpEYxhhO5udJ3EGsY048V9s7_7WOoWLZRuCBInQJavRRuh-f2CutnseRAZp83OK9kj59q7VadwEHiY7IURNQbPW2DVfZ5kyjkcsTecHg9mrBSUMYVP87MVI-kKNk7re7iUQvo3JmF4K8uDCR0APc5op7ONNuNC4HCFeQ/s5472/IMG_2329.CR2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD29CU6NLU3yCftHXCVJK-JMvpEYxhhO5udJ3EGsY048V9s7_7WOoWLZRuCBInQJavRRuh-f2CutnseRAZp83OK9kj59q7VadwEHiY7IURNQbPW2DVfZ5kyjkcsTecHg9mrBSUMYVP87MVI-kKNk7re7iUQvo3JmF4K8uDCR0APc5op7ONNuNC4HCFeQ/s320/IMG_2329.CR2" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuLL1l46Nq9eIUKoKRGsuyKHhMkvE-BLjax4xA64nMICWGqNNL4cpNJOr06AEv3G6SPFJ2sDvmey-5aRDjbKaPZvNB1-DQVy0LOgisDXErGyL7Z0xsoPH7NHqYwKwxQ1oiG-ifUku3CWLh6G4tGsLCfzULBx5tdd8xQ1U-pJESofkyKvpmp5dNYQFZA/s5472/IMG_2326.CR2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuLL1l46Nq9eIUKoKRGsuyKHhMkvE-BLjax4xA64nMICWGqNNL4cpNJOr06AEv3G6SPFJ2sDvmey-5aRDjbKaPZvNB1-DQVy0LOgisDXErGyL7Z0xsoPH7NHqYwKwxQ1oiG-ifUku3CWLh6G4tGsLCfzULBx5tdd8xQ1U-pJESofkyKvpmp5dNYQFZA/s320/IMG_2326.CR2" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We closed out the day back at the office for reflections, final questions, and a stance in solidarity for farmworkers. Farmworkers feed us all; we must work as a community to better protect and honor them as essential workers. <br /><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></div><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-530459713992569332023-04-10T13:42:00.001-07:002023-06-08T09:51:14.683-07:00Updates on the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Mural<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2B02kt_7lm6y-7v1i1SGTFYudSwR93wwiPcudx2wltIzwl96nHkxka8bbDfJOGRTWAUXrAyfK0QCusII-YeEP4Jv-BV0pmuO_SDUKI1VG7a71RggS5pmHTC8mJk0bPNsSRaK-RlC-fN6sOCqQrS8c989h74zN_ThTCoI4nuOefrg431lAv0kzZlZ4Q/s4032/mural%20down%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2B02kt_7lm6y-7v1i1SGTFYudSwR93wwiPcudx2wltIzwl96nHkxka8bbDfJOGRTWAUXrAyfK0QCusII-YeEP4Jv-BV0pmuO_SDUKI1VG7a71RggS5pmHTC8mJk0bPNsSRaK-RlC-fN6sOCqQrS8c989h74zN_ThTCoI4nuOefrg431lAv0kzZlZ4Q/w462-h346/mural%20down%201.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>The Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Mural is about to get a well needed and deserved new home!</u></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>Our beloved mural was originally on the side of a building owned by The Big Potato Foundation in Apopka. Unfortunately, we had to relocate the mural, and have been struggling to find a proper home for it for the past year and a half. In the meantime, it's been stored in the Billie Dean Community Garden. Unfortunately, the elements have worn the art project down a bit- more about that later.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>We've finally received full permission from the city to install posts outside of aforementioned garden to rehang our mural there; we will break ground on this on Saturday, April 15th! Once the mural is back up, the restorative work begins! We'll need to touch up any parts of the mural that have faded off, and then re-seal the every board to protect the paint. We expect that some of the wood may have to be replaced altogether, particularly the "3-D" accents such as the oranges on the tree. Along with all of that, there's a part of the mural that we're missing entirely. While most of the project was painted on removable wooden boards like you see in the photos, part of the tree, and a big yellow sun above the piece were painted directly on the building. We plan to make a new sun and tree to add to the newly rehomed mural soon. First thing is first, though, and that's to get the main parts of the mural back to it's former glory!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>We plan to finish this project how we started it- with our community! Once the construction crew gets the panels up, we're going to begin organizing volunteer opportunities for the community to come together to restore this artwork. Stay tuned... more to come very soon on this exciting project!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTPQKfbNAhQMeGRzChOUPNQQhHxqxSDWjkgN1c7r5qD-NobDuq7Ec9Gjh8qKS-9Wifm0ITQoCsmREKizUVbtSeiyv0nl2ePua9ZGt2gvyIy9ewsCMai0ARk5mEtMx2JdklmtPWj8TRKs4pLV1Dkcq3DUV8ODyshuA_EazMVVVvR4BAOeogYWcBFoZvQ/s4032/mural%20down%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTPQKfbNAhQMeGRzChOUPNQQhHxqxSDWjkgN1c7r5qD-NobDuq7Ec9Gjh8qKS-9Wifm0ITQoCsmREKizUVbtSeiyv0nl2ePua9ZGt2gvyIy9ewsCMai0ARk5mEtMx2JdklmtPWj8TRKs4pLV1Dkcq3DUV8ODyshuA_EazMVVVvR4BAOeogYWcBFoZvQ/w508-h381/mural%20down%203.jpeg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKHeXnfjlQEMP8TIb7iWNLLuBtQ0qqPHCbvyg2hcMvyiHiU605-BEjqgwRlkILtdSU_29yhr3KjGsfDv_z_YLcakmA6mgoMaBZKJtw-iyj5vpC8mVRDYv8eC5Pe8BYXlbdp785tF4GiZuAzsj26qRg_qCb_xomzszu6dapu8c0Oj1h5JZUVF9d5ztxg/s4032/mural%20down%202.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-39594683960914707622023-01-25T12:03:00.009-08:002023-06-08T09:51:04.351-07:00Remembering Ms. Magaline Duncan<p><span> </span>Ms. Magaline Duncan was born in Madison, Florida in 1942. She began seasonal farmwork at a very young age picking pecans and cotton, along with working in a diner with her mother. Then, after moving to Apopka at age 13, she began working on Lust & Long Farms on the North shore of Lake Apopka. Ms. Duncan was a farmworker for several years before leaving the industry in 1997, shortly before the closure of the Lake Apopka farms. After her retirement from farmwork, she began working at Apopka High School as a custodian. As a member of FWAF, she continued to advocate for better working conditions for her community of farmworkers, and was featured in The Last Harvest photodocumentary project- a collaboration between Crealde School of Art and the Farmworker Association of Florida in 1998. The exhibit traveled to several locations around the state, and Ms. Duncan participated on panels at exhibit opening receptions, at which she gave personal testimony of her experiences as a farmworker.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesNsRkmAGdhCZRSldtZsDvUmW2UlsoVXDdul_BspihmhxG0zXLMqKJtTzHgLke7vVxUZr7jZ1EmZdFXu3Bb4HrcE2C9dFVeV5_eGIJkU0txQE1Dwx2rL3wwW8x4huSGPDxl_yTSYz8zJvrcleHAlf0x7I4H8Ptt9NQZoFv5n_Oj8oiViS1DrfhdklHA/s1202/Magaline%20Duncan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1202" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesNsRkmAGdhCZRSldtZsDvUmW2UlsoVXDdul_BspihmhxG0zXLMqKJtTzHgLke7vVxUZr7jZ1EmZdFXu3Bb4HrcE2C9dFVeV5_eGIJkU0txQE1Dwx2rL3wwW8x4huSGPDxl_yTSYz8zJvrcleHAlf0x7I4H8Ptt9NQZoFv5n_Oj8oiViS1DrfhdklHA/w536-h383/Magaline%20Duncan.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><p></p><p>To listen to the Ms. Magaline Duncan remember her childhood and her time in farmwork, listen to the University of Florida Samuel Proctor Oral History Program interview below, or read the partial transcript.</p><p><b>Recorded interview: </b></p><p><a href="https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/08/59/19/00001/FAF%20020%20Magaline%20Duncan%207-22-2013.mp3"><b>https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/08/59/19/00001/FAF%20020%20Magaline%20Duncan%207-22-2013.mp3</b></a></p><p><b>Partial transcript: </b></p><p><a href="http://gainesvilleiguana.org/2019/articles/history-and-the-people-who-make-it-magaline-duncan/"><b>http://gainesvilleiguana.org/2019/articles/history-and-the-people-who-make-it-magaline-duncan/</b></a></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span> Ms. Duncan was a deeply influential part of the work at the Farmworker Association. Her advocacy work for the thousands of farmworkers effected by the pesticide mal use on Lake Apopka Farms was monumental. </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Below is a excerpt from a poem written by one of Ms. Duncan's granddaughters, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Tyne' Michelle Evans, called <i>My Grandma's Horn</i> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I can't imagine not hearing her signature sayings.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Come on now! We've all heard her say</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Keep on living! How sweet it is,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>and Thank the Lord for another day!"</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>But I won't keep going on and on because I know she wouldn't like a fuss!</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>My grandma probably would remind us that now that she's in Heaven</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>she is doing better than all of us!</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I believe she'd say "I love y'all and I'm here with Jesus, so stop all that crying over me."</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm sure she'd add "Just make sure Jerry, Darren, and Tanglia don't run my A.C.!"</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Tell Lucille thank you for alwasy taking care of me"</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Oh and tell my grands and my great-grands thanks for always loving me."</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tolz9q_1VI38GdaU_ddIJIR0YScMOF31XJetjeYgx2qvjBoAO2q9patH49VWm8hV_vSVcOiFOY75LM7gtYt0ogO859v7tvL36rRc-r_eJcyilrYJXHDLLccaGQLIIMopa5URsEYrq0Yaj5nL-2MvaB3jPWKy9mck2hs4UD8U8EGg4WhSCWtuWKym7w/s130/Magaline-Duncan-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="130" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tolz9q_1VI38GdaU_ddIJIR0YScMOF31XJetjeYgx2qvjBoAO2q9patH49VWm8hV_vSVcOiFOY75LM7gtYt0ogO859v7tvL36rRc-r_eJcyilrYJXHDLLccaGQLIIMopa5URsEYrq0Yaj5nL-2MvaB3jPWKy9mck2hs4UD8U8EGg4WhSCWtuWKym7w/w300-h300/Magaline-Duncan-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Rest in peace, Magaline.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></div><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-20634770018968640302022-12-19T11:34:00.003-08:002023-06-08T09:50:52.225-07:00A Recap of Linda Lee's Event at the Unfurl Collective!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_1VdBBTK7QPHXg7E9DTXDkU3TWqZ8Z-VB_Hu9EBPYw13Gddnb55J3lz2_7eDTXdTFkelNYuVRqkYLblgCUbzo286x3eXArljVS16pFsNbpPBjZgf3NQs1uDKwySVPAWUqOnFIzg9ZM0n75uTH-8DebjhEb7GHZIKYB2Hpvjdd9l4Jw7o9Y1sXTgZAA/s4032/Unfurl%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_1VdBBTK7QPHXg7E9DTXDkU3TWqZ8Z-VB_Hu9EBPYw13Gddnb55J3lz2_7eDTXdTFkelNYuVRqkYLblgCUbzo286x3eXArljVS16pFsNbpPBjZgf3NQs1uDKwySVPAWUqOnFIzg9ZM0n75uTH-8DebjhEb7GHZIKYB2Hpvjdd9l4Jw7o9Y1sXTgZAA/w325-h433/Unfurl%201.jpeg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> We had an incredible time celebrating Linda Lee, her art, and farmworkers at Ms. Lee's event at the Unfurl Collective! Linda Lee spoke about her memories of farmwork, or her family life, and of Apopka, then tied her stories into her quilt-making process and the art that was present. She also spoke about community, what goes into building on and what we all get back out of it. As she always says, "it takes all kinds of people to make a community". Dale Slongwhite, author of <i>Fed Up: The High Costs of Cheap Foods </i>was also present for her book signing, as well as to say a few words about her book and the farmworkers she interviewed for it. This event was deeply enlightening and clearly left a lasting effect on the engaged audience. Our deepest gratitude goes out to everyone involved in making this event happen, especially our friends at the Unfurl Collective, and, of course, Linda Lee for sharing her art, story, and presence with us!<p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGlDORjV2DkCIBZOCMN-SL9eEh3zMQ6JQTq2OrP5Uo-b5PnDF8YGrzm-d-Ugzh3JCzMh7fc1jN-hCwfydAp9Y3A2y-CkqMgpwYmwCEXMG4-EfFEYIJ9NyNb0DDpEdTc2P8v64b8x4_3m8njzkzVOqCQln-AKjHq6wO6AfNS1jp4VUqjfRBvrrSjy3BA/s4032/unfurl%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGlDORjV2DkCIBZOCMN-SL9eEh3zMQ6JQTq2OrP5Uo-b5PnDF8YGrzm-d-Ugzh3JCzMh7fc1jN-hCwfydAp9Y3A2y-CkqMgpwYmwCEXMG4-EfFEYIJ9NyNb0DDpEdTc2P8v64b8x4_3m8njzkzVOqCQln-AKjHq6wO6AfNS1jp4VUqjfRBvrrSjy3BA/s320/unfurl%205.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>While some of Linda Lee's pieces did sell, it's not too late! There are more still on display and for sale at the Unfurl Collective in Sanford , FL!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl2tW-QnoiBRvkEeWwT7fzpZ6N9eQRkLeAm6PyVPiyfhMSq0in1NmHAOOn9H9CCN-tx9vwzhTyJempXyDHwiDRu67vosd7tFitbHbKgSGSfn489boO9V4kgA21-8EhuxC-NmzAsqXx7_HvQyQX-c9674DEs-FZshoetKiVhP3Bwg8W9GI2I_FaOymuQ/s4032/unfurl%206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl2tW-QnoiBRvkEeWwT7fzpZ6N9eQRkLeAm6PyVPiyfhMSq0in1NmHAOOn9H9CCN-tx9vwzhTyJempXyDHwiDRu67vosd7tFitbHbKgSGSfn489boO9V4kgA21-8EhuxC-NmzAsqXx7_HvQyQX-c9674DEs-FZshoetKiVhP3Bwg8W9GI2I_FaOymuQ/s320/unfurl%206.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></div><br /><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-5517276660681798492022-12-08T07:33:00.003-08:002023-06-08T09:50:38.712-07:00Dr. Harry Covertson<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">FWAF is deeply grateful to Dr. Harry Covertson for the important
role he played in the early years of the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilt
Project and especially for his significant part in the creation and
presentation of the Lessons Learned from Lake Apopka curriculum for middle and
high school students close to 10 years ago. Dr. Covertson has shared with
us this deeply personal blog of his that describes how his work with the
Farmworker Association, the Lake Apopka farmworkers and the Quilt Project had
on him, his life and the way he taught his students. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> We are sharing his
blog with you </span><b><u><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://frharry.blogspot.com/2022/11/gratitude-for-hands-that-touch-our-lives.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></i></u></b></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-35581221149509654962022-11-30T11:49:00.001-08:002023-06-08T09:50:26.436-07:00Linda Lee's exhibit at The Unfurl Collective in Sanford<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <span> </span>Linda Lee's timeless quilt pieces are officially on display and for sale at The Unfurl Collective in Sanford! The Unfurl Collective is a space for all kinds of art, from all kinds of people. It serves as an event space, a center for gatherings in the art community, and now it's home to over 20 of Ms. Lee's folk art pieces.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeeIK1c7bA3e1fHX2ch-CU_9sMlgZeLImk48fNWuggNFgdgzseTFrANzDY_zAjJ3xwwa0PnTqufg7Ld4mpwzL0RirA4TCo3vwPs0jbVXa2uKSqW90aQBgsV7qd5t8SD0xn_5gyE6RoUO5u2qWIgpJ0icCc5LYlIuzrupEk6bj849mzc7Odf-KHHAkLA/s4032/Linda%20Sanford%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeeIK1c7bA3e1fHX2ch-CU_9sMlgZeLImk48fNWuggNFgdgzseTFrANzDY_zAjJ3xwwa0PnTqufg7Ld4mpwzL0RirA4TCo3vwPs0jbVXa2uKSqW90aQBgsV7qd5t8SD0xn_5gyE6RoUO5u2qWIgpJ0icCc5LYlIuzrupEk6bj849mzc7Odf-KHHAkLA/s320/Linda%20Sanford%203.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM89n9fXR2suPJFvV0KbBJoa8Y3DGfhz8oQdMxwSg15xUyfZNC4Acc1hBIBWAgi3NHW5kcviDeva-k7m8zqi8ekyg3ZXcLKL8IRdpJdza3uAgJz7SfHivNVPm_5Rcc__egZF5PHkXNe4HpSF3hDCrt2oetPLRavJ684gJwmFqk4ZzqOS8ZKlOJMWsAQA/s4032/Linda%20Sanford%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM89n9fXR2suPJFvV0KbBJoa8Y3DGfhz8oQdMxwSg15xUyfZNC4Acc1hBIBWAgi3NHW5kcviDeva-k7m8zqi8ekyg3ZXcLKL8IRdpJdza3uAgJz7SfHivNVPm_5Rcc__egZF5PHkXNe4HpSF3hDCrt2oetPLRavJ684gJwmFqk4ZzqOS8ZKlOJMWsAQA/s320/Linda%20Sanford%202.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span> </span>While her pieces are already up in person and will soon be up on The Unfurl Collective website, Linda Lee and her art will be properly honored in a grand opening event on December 17th from 1pm to 3pm. This official unveiling of her work will include hors d'oeuvres, music, and best of all an opportunity to see and purchase Ms. Lee's work. We hope you'll join us at The Unfurl Collective on December 17th from 1pm to 3pm for what is sure to be a dazzling event! Everyone involved is beyond excited, and honored to help organize the event for such a deserving person, artist, and activist.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIdOR9nJJhAlFjsFaTMWkGfO2A5cVooThOhqb7ZdE7tAe2oJthdRK_mnHD3k0Ws96gVjKeIVagFD2QNqUfkZe1y2_M6KyNb_GHyxeSwaSf87HbBYkTAMtQ7_3tCPjLnjq8ELeObMpZaLYMQgLflcRVBXoUwXgNhRrMg8S8GdpTbGIDUi7bZe6WWPnCA/s4032/Linda%20Sanford%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIdOR9nJJhAlFjsFaTMWkGfO2A5cVooThOhqb7ZdE7tAe2oJthdRK_mnHD3k0Ws96gVjKeIVagFD2QNqUfkZe1y2_M6KyNb_GHyxeSwaSf87HbBYkTAMtQ7_3tCPjLnjq8ELeObMpZaLYMQgLflcRVBXoUwXgNhRrMg8S8GdpTbGIDUi7bZe6WWPnCA/w338-h451/Linda%20Sanford%201.jpeg" width="338" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span>Another exciting thing to look forward to is the Labor of Love Lake Apopka mural's return! Unfortunately, the mural had to be removed from it's first home. However, now that we've found a new place for this beautiful community art project, community members are diligently working to reinstall it! It will be secured along the fence of the Billy Dean Community Garden within the next month or so. After it's up, we plan on organizing volunteers, time, and materials to make repairs and touch the mural up, as it's seen some wear from the elements. We'll be sure to keep the community updated on and involved in this project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><i>by Finn Spencer </i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p style="text-align: right;"><br /></p></div><div><p></p></div>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-18931006408674922832022-11-17T09:33:00.004-08:002023-06-08T09:50:14.488-07:00University of Central Florida and University of Florida Visit FWAF and Ms. Linda Lee<p> </p><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7vYBZUwELs2DCzrR0mUeNJW44xhpsNFwW0nKJqezdCXV16P97HCXCMHOUrGaoC04MnB9oxY64qxVNN4n8UQ33qbaJFrBVmT9TOLPsBB-LZ0qRXa0auV4fpFLTdWQX-xU7j2bU8DhZRp87tVJ7NbWxHJ1Uj9OidXqttKjC_IAG67FhFuhrXRCpFK0kQ/s4032/UF%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7vYBZUwELs2DCzrR0mUeNJW44xhpsNFwW0nKJqezdCXV16P97HCXCMHOUrGaoC04MnB9oxY64qxVNN4n8UQ33qbaJFrBVmT9TOLPsBB-LZ0qRXa0auV4fpFLTdWQX-xU7j2bU8DhZRp87tVJ7NbWxHJ1Uj9OidXqttKjC_IAG67FhFuhrXRCpFK0kQ/s320/UF%2010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span> </span>The Farmworker Association has hosted two college groups: Professor Beatriz Otero Jiminez's Food Justice class from the University of Central Florida and Alpha Epsilon Delta from the University of Florida led by Brooke Long. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA8rJwbvrYml0pFSL3MmXN4WN77-HqQujCk0eS2FmChJ6ylEaGavdscoeegStaPJy0EH6GwK0CToZa_JQD0o7uhfSFwLZR5elG-co8V5G_oGAcQa_xKfcPZbt36Oq20PAYYRquFJxydKgToPMLxIGL1bB-ksKzca_BgR23Gi7oz5d0HIa6OG5352whw/s4032/UF%207.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA8rJwbvrYml0pFSL3MmXN4WN77-HqQujCk0eS2FmChJ6ylEaGavdscoeegStaPJy0EH6GwK0CToZa_JQD0o7uhfSFwLZR5elG-co8V5G_oGAcQa_xKfcPZbt36Oq20PAYYRquFJxydKgToPMLxIGL1bB-ksKzca_BgR23Gi7oz5d0HIa6OG5352whw/s320/UF%207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span> </span>Both days began with a conversation exploring the student' knowledge and understanding of farm work. Most students weren't aware of the harsh conditions and worker injustice on farms so close to home, and few were aware of the health risks and danger of pesticide exposure for farmworkers. After a shocking and enlightening discussion about these realities hidden behind the perfect packages of fruits and vegetables that we see at our grocery stores, we visited our local project in food sovereignty: our community garden. </p><p><span> Hurricane Ian, our garden had caused damage in our Apopka garden. Papaya and banana trees, as well as peppers, herbs, and other crops were lost to the storm. The students, Knights and Gators alike, helped with restoration. Tasks included weeding, potting up aloe plants, and cilantro, basil, oregano, lemongrass, and harvesting and planting yucca. </span><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76yoGJl4t3pvrcnWqHRW0cvNN7-N-K8WUv4CADsaq_JTQniV9YhmJns7Gaf91a1LJNX7klHzbecDbEWlhNtml6VvM899vQGR2ubaxIC-tplD6vQs0S9RDFGWeKJdUpzL8MNX5wHbo-AgvMn0NGURkiZImNJ-N-F09XzhukwkfY4yuW2P_ZISgpwWR7w/s5152/UCF%20Garden.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76yoGJl4t3pvrcnWqHRW0cvNN7-N-K8WUv4CADsaq_JTQniV9YhmJns7Gaf91a1LJNX7klHzbecDbEWlhNtml6VvM899vQGR2ubaxIC-tplD6vQs0S9RDFGWeKJdUpzL8MNX5wHbo-AgvMn0NGURkiZImNJ-N-F09XzhukwkfY4yuW2P_ZISgpwWR7w/s320/UCF%20Garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span><span> Most impactful was a visit to Ms. Linda Lee at her home. Ms. Lee shared personal stories and experiences of racism, pesticide exposure, and life as a Black farmworker. The students learned that before there were regulations requiring workplace health and safety training for farmworkers, members of the farmworker community would take home and use empty pesticide containers for household uses. The students were left with many questions: why hasn't justice been served for the blatant environmental racism experienced by the farmworkers of Lake Apopka? There was a very quiet van-ride back to the Farmworker Association office as everyone deliberated on this question.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-vySAhp91R8aqOigjZn-kHdnYEJb3_FucsRb-vEFhOtNSApvGBZx35hE8UttX2P6wRnFMlDOJhYMIQSalsfPtDnJ1LStzoBx83vxIuvAVdENLA5tggyuggP1pWxUq26zfxSsqd28bV5xNUlHfCbZag_GVjxjgOOPaMHr5ymMaVmqktOeP8cGfvWrkw/s5152/Linda%20UCF%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-vySAhp91R8aqOigjZn-kHdnYEJb3_FucsRb-vEFhOtNSApvGBZx35hE8UttX2P6wRnFMlDOJhYMIQSalsfPtDnJ1LStzoBx83vxIuvAVdENLA5tggyuggP1pWxUq26zfxSsqd28bV5xNUlHfCbZag_GVjxjgOOPaMHr5ymMaVmqktOeP8cGfvWrkw/w431-h323/Linda%20UCF%202.JPG" width="431" /></a></span></span></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span><span><span> Over lunch, students shared their reflections. One student mentioned that the garden work was tough for him; he couldn't imagine the work on the level of industrial farming, much less every day for 6 days a week. Many students questioned the deep injustice felt by farmworkers and the institutional racism inherent in the agricultural system.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span> The "garden days", a gentle title for such a profound experience, motivated the students. All agreed that ignoring the realities they learned about only serves to perpetuate the situation. The day came to a close with this natural call to action: spread the word about where your food comes from, use your voice and your vote to hold politicians and farm-owners accountable for the way they treat vulnerable people, and educate others.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span> The garden work days at FWAF open the doors to a greater understanding of the need to transform our system of agriculture to one that is more just and that fosters agroecology, food sovereignty, and justice for farmworkers. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0c0MlNlt1uLwBLuoMvFJlyNjPzF-MVklHcTA2cEbnSbCVtX6Wul2KfY4YzbKU7xrCm6aYgSAJ9moEBU5c0nWPQKTZGAen7y7wJf5RgSIIyLJGKmpIssSYlmbOHc8q2dcsVOKywxueb3QOppb06Ti9EYeaZyIaCAY3eNM989PpEHtGpKh_7Aocs4CL8A/s1170/UF%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1170" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0c0MlNlt1uLwBLuoMvFJlyNjPzF-MVklHcTA2cEbnSbCVtX6Wul2KfY4YzbKU7xrCm6aYgSAJ9moEBU5c0nWPQKTZGAen7y7wJf5RgSIIyLJGKmpIssSYlmbOHc8q2dcsVOKywxueb3QOppb06Ti9EYeaZyIaCAY3eNM989PpEHtGpKh_7Aocs4CL8A/w433-h318/UF%204.jpg" width="433" /></a></div><span><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></div><br /><br /><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-55182736626387635662022-10-17T08:08:00.002-07:002023-06-08T09:50:05.280-07:00Dale Slongwhite Interviewed on WMFE<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dale Slongwhite, author of “Fed Up: The High Costs of Cheap Foods”
was interviewed on the program "Florida Frontiers" that was aired on
local public radio station WMFE this past Sunday about her book and her
personal story of how she came to write it. Slongwhite discusses how she first
came to know about the plight of the Lake Apopka farmworkers. Linda Lee –
celebrated folk artist and fearless voice of the black farmworker communities
affected by pesticide use- spoke at an environmental justice conference that
Slongwhite attended with her daughter. Slongwhite goes on to discuss how she used her gift of story telling to serve the farmworker community and
raise awareness about the mistreatment of farmworkers. We are very grateful to
The Florida Historical Society for highlighting the lives of these farmworkers
in inviting Ms. Slongwhite to be interviewed for their show. Too often,
the stories of farmworkers are not found in the history books. This is
one way to bring light to those stories, and for them to be documented as an
important part of Florida history. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">To learn more about her book, farmworkers, and Linda Lee, listen to this NPR
piece by clicking </span><a href="https://myfloridahistory.org/sites/myfloridahistory.org/files/florida-frontiers-radio-show/ff485_show_10-14-22.mp3" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">.</span></div><span style="line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ZQFVSJgGeO_ybp0X8vgKraNPPyslKgmaGmQk2QhfwJbjQfy1IniBzIiXmFlzxzHizDImMzo5a4IUv-BxIivd2q3zm16Efj9-e6QBz_sbK2H_lBlKbAiPeWE4jnmAESnbWxm3JjFCMUvxNSZy5oBTFRqOrPB0InvSnTKRtiP11TVpIgtTjx3k6MoIw/s1632/dale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1224" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ZQFVSJgGeO_ybp0X8vgKraNPPyslKgmaGmQk2QhfwJbjQfy1IniBzIiXmFlzxzHizDImMzo5a4IUv-BxIivd2q3zm16Efj9-e6QBz_sbK2H_lBlKbAiPeWE4jnmAESnbWxm3JjFCMUvxNSZy5oBTFRqOrPB0InvSnTKRtiP11TVpIgtTjx3k6MoIw/w285-h380/dale.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">by Finn Spencer </i></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-53620465238287923402022-09-26T08:03:00.001-07:002023-06-08T09:49:51.736-07:00More Photos from the Event at the Museum of Apopkans<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLkhMpI5o_8cWYdfi5cjZ-0VUGG5LXuzY7Z0XRplBNv7TOgxLmKGgGEZ_CeczOxAyKxcRtRPhYbZmVxX0wEhI2kPWS9zI2TsKNkDj3jxozly_te8XGhZbIk6QZYrX-HKV6gB5kYWrt-F6IH10s_eoehd4YABbhvy7mznbnv0SPUByywv_9TtzfAADFw/s714/corn%20hands.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLkhMpI5o_8cWYdfi5cjZ-0VUGG5LXuzY7Z0XRplBNv7TOgxLmKGgGEZ_CeczOxAyKxcRtRPhYbZmVxX0wEhI2kPWS9zI2TsKNkDj3jxozly_te8XGhZbIk6QZYrX-HKV6gB5kYWrt-F6IH10s_eoehd4YABbhvy7mznbnv0SPUByywv_9TtzfAADFw/s714/corn%20hands.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="534" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLkhMpI5o_8cWYdfi5cjZ-0VUGG5LXuzY7Z0XRplBNv7TOgxLmKGgGEZ_CeczOxAyKxcRtRPhYbZmVxX0wEhI2kPWS9zI2TsKNkDj3jxozly_te8XGhZbIk6QZYrX-HKV6gB5kYWrt-F6IH10s_eoehd4YABbhvy7mznbnv0SPUByywv_9TtzfAADFw/w202-h270/corn%20hands.png" width="202" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Art by Ms. Linda Lee, portraying the hands that fed a nation</i></span></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ms. Lee (sitting) and her granddaughter, Cheyanne Swift (standing)</span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOLlB8zYny8IOjHLOmMI5sUrPAbns-T8f5P570Ar9PlUaWQHB2llWU8Df1JYHjPhBCcv5f6HrjwsI6CiC8ERAqcDBj5mieUwMHnUSrQZ5IfnbPTKT8TxU1lsEHa1BI8iU3Lx54ENDZRUO9OITbn6ED9BA_7cn7R8K632BXzdmj_EnHb3yMsM3C9E_jA/s515/Linda%20and%20Cheyanne.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="395" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOLlB8zYny8IOjHLOmMI5sUrPAbns-T8f5P570Ar9PlUaWQHB2llWU8Df1JYHjPhBCcv5f6HrjwsI6CiC8ERAqcDBj5mieUwMHnUSrQZ5IfnbPTKT8TxU1lsEHa1BI8iU3Lx54ENDZRUO9OITbn6ED9BA_7cn7R8K632BXzdmj_EnHb3yMsM3C9E_jA/w187-h244/Linda%20and%20Cheyanne.png" width="187" /></a></p><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"></div></div><p> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LtQepOCGRToKhxw90xp8XAyUPl_pCMM14CE_s86hWSCcF0Lo0I5LQ28UKKiCAlAR777ow8ecoFJayxO_UK1YvZ0LWMpbHuPGLZ3bZQDA78v2rf42fQISv62xaLTUHq_FpA6JMYh_sIVHfJ9ZC5eTyAIf2yvvmZP-cOBo32siw-n3ux5YNAkIhICTBQ/s941/linda%20lee%20and%20Maribel%20brinkle.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="941" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LtQepOCGRToKhxw90xp8XAyUPl_pCMM14CE_s86hWSCcF0Lo0I5LQ28UKKiCAlAR777ow8ecoFJayxO_UK1YvZ0LWMpbHuPGLZ3bZQDA78v2rf42fQISv62xaLTUHq_FpA6JMYh_sIVHfJ9ZC5eTyAIf2yvvmZP-cOBo32siw-n3ux5YNAkIhICTBQ/s320/linda%20lee%20and%20Maribel%20brinkle.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ms. Lee (left) and Apopka Historical Society President, Maribel Brinkle (right)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-size: medium;">by Finn Spencer </i></span></div><br /> <p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-85915627853270395232022-09-23T13:00:00.008-07:002023-06-08T09:49:30.657-07:00Ms. Linda Lee Honors Apopka Farmworkers at the Museum of the Apopkans<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayk1Pvdimg2TKhZXtanfuONe8VaJ4VRQqFlROCEwdxye2_GInKSgNoJ77wLtShIDdsMCLeLPMPP_8_JHUUxfPzAiExgZ8Nxv8eNYK9qQrWNjrrSmF4KFhD8T0qBzVG3TWuD6xgIlTMlGX68kYa4e58N4sVPRlJ73U0QZTXegDoFw8P_-0h_OzVrwbug/s959/quilt%20piece.png" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="959" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayk1Pvdimg2TKhZXtanfuONe8VaJ4VRQqFlROCEwdxye2_GInKSgNoJ77wLtShIDdsMCLeLPMPP_8_JHUUxfPzAiExgZ8Nxv8eNYK9qQrWNjrrSmF4KFhD8T0qBzVG3TWuD6xgIlTMlGX68kYa4e58N4sVPRlJ73U0QZTXegDoFw8P_-0h_OzVrwbug/w375-h214/quilt%20piece.png" width="375" /></a></p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: georgia;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"The Forgotten Women" Ms. Linda Lee</span></i></div></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17.6333px;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17.6333px;">Ms. Linda Lee was the star of the show at the Museum of the Apopkans (Apopka, FL)</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17.6333px;">at the opening reception of the Honoring Farmworkers exhibit, featuring the Farmworker Association of Florida's Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilts, along with a display of the colorful and creative folk art quilt squares of Ms. Linda depicting people, places and occasions in her community of South Apopka.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17.6333px;">The gathering together at the Apopka Museum to celebrate, honor and recognize the Lake Apopka farmworkers and the local farmworker community and history, included an opening reception with local political leaders, and a book signing by author Dale Slongwhite, author of<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQw7F4po8po" target="_blank"> </a><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQw7F4po8po" target="_blank">Fed Up: The High Costs of Cheap Food</a>,</i> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17.6333px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> with her very moving personal readings from the book. Present were former farmworkers, Ms. Linda and Ms. MaryAnn, in addition to the sister and family of former Lake Apopka farmworker, Ms. Betty Dubose, as well as others, including staff from the Farmworker Association of Florida. Deep gratitude to The Apopka Historical Society, the museum staff, and to everyone, especially to the lives and friendships of the Lake Apopka farmworkers, whose work fed </span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia; font-size: 11.5pt;">America for several generations.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrR2R9rEe9XDheguG7d48Chm06pVxdig0dev7yDtQWLiPE5-cjhiUutZLZGdqvWVUffsxdQOdW0gn6__ZFDMXv3Ym3UHvH_1UvYerRWm0-KTYTDjUQ8HQpo10bPQafOXlGMLGF4hu9zeTEPUZmgArlMaHHJEEcYEg3TNOIQv8735q6gyWMH-5SixLaQ/s515/Linda%20and%20Cheyanne.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MC5SVUaD_80HiK-TuVthk_CHB-qsaIcAzGJEHRADBcLXTocI_6d-qlOy4ivQ7hgO1SriDhID0SkokJy07lXKADHEGLVutMKf5eQMf6MxcVyIrNLl87CEHbrzTWsG38lUhWX2gU13Xy-qnhsBGelYqfcNcT7N_WqW_dk1HtNfJ-qzyr_6APMSeESZdg/s969/Fed%20Up%20book%20signing%202022.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="969" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MC5SVUaD_80HiK-TuVthk_CHB-qsaIcAzGJEHRADBcLXTocI_6d-qlOy4ivQ7hgO1SriDhID0SkokJy07lXKADHEGLVutMKf5eQMf6MxcVyIrNLl87CEHbrzTWsG38lUhWX2gU13Xy-qnhsBGelYqfcNcT7N_WqW_dk1HtNfJ-qzyr_6APMSeESZdg/s320/Fed%20Up%20book%20signing%202022.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a191a; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">Apopka Historical Society Pesident, Maribel Brinkle (standing) gets her copy of Fed Up signed by author,</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a191a; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"> Dale Slongwhite (sitting)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a191a; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a191a; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>by Finn Spencer </i></div>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-58353869413962205832022-01-11T08:21:00.002-08:002022-01-11T08:25:34.536-08:00 The legacy of storytelling for America’s farmworkersDecember 17, 2021
The legacy of storytelling for America’s farmworkers
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNt1-c6XnROcaGyhrfEi2_ZYYZjQa-qnHlpmypGg1fDfIm8VmKsejo-6ptfMjS-HqLDFffyrPZhuUbw3MFlwo35dTlYTVzBUmqEUWciyr4nF9OWg-g4M3MiwBstxFYsFardTbdnRzDLvQ2BjA_ssl-A2SBNHvkwuL72dNroCobGegbFM-ACSvSRPIHig=s3264" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNt1-c6XnROcaGyhrfEi2_ZYYZjQa-qnHlpmypGg1fDfIm8VmKsejo-6ptfMjS-HqLDFffyrPZhuUbw3MFlwo35dTlYTVzBUmqEUWciyr4nF9OWg-g4M3MiwBstxFYsFardTbdnRzDLvQ2BjA_ssl-A2SBNHvkwuL72dNroCobGegbFM-ACSvSRPIHig=s400"/></a></div>
The Farmworker Association of Florida’s (FWAF) mission is to build power among farmworkers and rural low-income communities, to respond to and gain control over the social, political, economic, workplace, health, and environmental justice issues that impact their lives. This mission was born out of the history of the injustices against the farmworkers, including those who were the laborers on the muck farms along the north shore of Lake Apopka that largely supported America’s food production from the 1940s until the late 1990s. The history of Lake Apopka is kept alive by the Toxic Tour of Lake Apopka, guided by FWAF staff member, who is the Pesticide Safety and Environmental Health Project Coordinator of FWAF.
A group of Americorps volunteers met at the FWAF office for an introduction to the history of Lake Apopka. What was once known as a premier bass fishing site in the 1940s, became one of the most polluted and toxic lakes in the United States by the 1990s. The persistent use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides on the muck farms of the north shore of Lake Apopka led to a massive restoration effort. In an effort to restore Lake Apopka, the state bought the muck farms leaving an estimated 2,500 farmworkers without any work. Although millions of dollars were spent to restore Lake Apopka and study the effect of pesticide exposure on the wildlife, the farmworkers who were exposed to the same pesticides were forgotten.
A portion of the Toxic Tour was viewing the current landscape of Apopka that includes a medical waste incinerator and construction waste dump that spans acres of land. Ms. Economos educated the group on the importance of environmental justice and the reality of environmental racism within the historic neighborhood of farmworkers. Although the current landscape felt heavy and bleak, the storytelling of the farmworkers and their legacy and lives were the light of the tour. Participants of the tour were able to learn about the farmworker’s stories through viewing the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilt and the “Labor of Love” mural in historic Apopka. The newly finished mural was bright and told a story of unity, love, and hope. The tour ended with the honor of meeting Linda Lee, a former farmworker and creator of the “Labor of Love” mural, at her home which resided on the land that was owned by her ancestors. She shared stories of the strenuous working conditions that her father and many other farmworkers endured working as citrus grove farmworkers. As she held a citrus sack, she described being like an “acrobat” climbing wooden ladders up ceiling trees to pick citrus and adding that you “can’t let it (the ladders) run you, you have to run it.” The farmworker’s stories are critical in the continued fight for advocacy for those who are still exposed to toxic pesticides and poor working conditions. Additionally, these stories are vital to remembering the past and restoring the dignity of those farmworkers’ hands that fed America.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLW9ylkQ0XSYH6RFLEwqOTboiXZk9FxsnflhEnjgJufs1nwqQBDA8Zpt61sefGXTWmpnq3G4QUrYqDFYTXKF1ddJOTlfEnyFTFt5n_o0iTojhLfzwfVKh1WmlC50C504Qm4W2laB3By3lT1FSkU5dWS3rpmLaPVDP13msAJC4qxFcL2HJzlcAC10c52Q=s600" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLW9ylkQ0XSYH6RFLEwqOTboiXZk9FxsnflhEnjgJufs1nwqQBDA8Zpt61sefGXTWmpnq3G4QUrYqDFYTXKF1ddJOTlfEnyFTFt5n_o0iTojhLfzwfVKh1WmlC50C504Qm4W2laB3By3lT1FSkU5dWS3rpmLaPVDP13msAJC4qxFcL2HJzlcAC10c52Q=s320"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdtXuGm8TEvGM9JA7k8SELNHJm35gYoyU3zHZ11P9N-_YPAEMHGI9mP8At6ssQmf_sHYvXllx06FXnDHbT1WKltlhTUDpOG74yGA16JH1BraDcx692zmvi5t4WqwfxInkoLiPqYp7DHizA0fGTb96nRGXWtEunlJW-wyEuXn26dbzMfcCh-ThvmXmTOw=s600" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdtXuGm8TEvGM9JA7k8SELNHJm35gYoyU3zHZ11P9N-_YPAEMHGI9mP8At6ssQmf_sHYvXllx06FXnDHbT1WKltlhTUDpOG74yGA16JH1BraDcx692zmvi5t4WqwfxInkoLiPqYp7DHizA0fGTb96nRGXWtEunlJW-wyEuXn26dbzMfcCh-ThvmXmTOw=s320"/></a></div>
FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-59265386783958467182021-08-28T10:43:00.000-07:002021-08-28T10:43:10.896-07:00Gainesvill Environmental Ambassadors Group Experiential Learning in ApopkaSummer 2021 was not going to be stopped by COVID this summer, as the incredible Nkwanda Jah brought her Environmental Ambassadors group and other high school and college students from Gainesville to Apopka to learn more, first hand, about farmworkers and the lives and reality of the Lake Apopka farmworker community. Using safety protocols to ensure everyone's protections, the group did a Toxic Tour of the area, culminating with a visit to Ms. Linda Lee at her family home. No one left the experience unmoved and for many, the experience opened up their minds and hearts to a people and a world that they had not imagined or understood. We are forever grateful to Ms. Jah for her unflagging commitment to the next generation of young people, inspiring to follow their dreams and passions to make the world a better place. In memory and in honor of all the former Lake Apopka farmworkers who have passed away, and those who remain to tell their stories, we say Thank You! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj5fSO5BDl4/YSp1lQ7saII/AAAAAAAAGcg/tm6LSvI3pXUhvdGImtIF0jSCoEysGktmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5152/DSC02637.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj5fSO5BDl4/YSp1lQ7saII/AAAAAAAAGcg/tm6LSvI3pXUhvdGImtIF0jSCoEysGktmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC02637.JPG"/></a></div> FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-67585907611037150172021-06-03T12:46:00.000-07:002021-06-03T12:46:07.905-07:00Honoring Nelson CarrasquilloIt is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of ally, friend, and Warrior en la Lucha, Nelson Carrasquillo.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.byB5Yf4Qash-tmmjOudQKAAAAA&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="103" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.byB5Yf4Qash-tmmjOudQKAAAAA&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300"/></a></div>
Nelson was the dynamic Executive Director of CATA (Comite de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agriculas, or Farmworker Support Committee) - a close ally of the Farmworker Association of Florida - in New Jersey for 25 years. During that time, with his creative and visionary thinking, he helped to form many alliances and coalitions, including the Agricultural Justice Project, the Farmworker Health and Safety Institute, the Food Chain Workers Alliance, the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, the Domestic Fair Trade Association, and Building Equity and Alignment for Environmental Justice. In more recent years, he embraced the concept of food sovereignty as a necessary part of the road towards justice for farmworkers and communities, which led to his establishing the first community-run community garden for immigrants in their area of New Jersey.
Hailing from Puerto Rico, he later joined CATA and came to New Jersey where he helped to organize the first independent mushroom workers’ union. Since that time, his accomplishments in CATA have been too numerous to mention, as he worked tirelessly for immigrant rights, for better living and working conditions for farmworkers, and for a culture that honors the dignity, humanity, and human rights of farmworkers and their families.
Retired Farmworker Association co-founder and General Coordinator, Tirso Moreno, and Nelson worked very closely together for more than two decades, with CATA and FWAF calling themselves “sister” organizations. Working together, they discussed and collaborated on ideas and strategies for organizing workers, for addressing root causes of exploitation, in educating the public on the farmworker reality, and in engaging elected officials to secure policy change improvements for agricultural workers across the country. FWAF staff members benefitted from Nelson’s many trainings, such as on popular education and community organizing methods and strategies. The close ties between the organizations served to strengthen both.
Over the years, Nelson earned and gained the trust and respect of the local farmworker communities he worked with, as well as of other organizations and agencies around the country. He is revered and respected around the country as the strong and unflagging leader he was. His commitment to Truth and Justice never died, and, in fact, they live on as a testament and legacy to his time on earth.
Even as we mourn his passing, we celebrate Nelson and the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. He has made his mark and it can truly be said that he has left the world a better place for his having been in it.
Rest in Peace, Nelson, from all of us at the Farmworker Association of Florida.
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=411&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAgriculturalJusticeProject%2Fvideos%2F310603900265126%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="411" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-35754425971340017682021-01-25T10:16:00.000-08:002021-01-25T10:16:42.723-08:00History Calls on us to Remember and to Create a More Just Future<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oe0nZA30ok/YA8Ij4P87eI/AAAAAAAAGW4/FcqjByMSFusUKDLbpsKqo9xedOC2E3BAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oe0nZA30ok/YA8Ij4P87eI/AAAAAAAAGW4/FcqjByMSFusUKDLbpsKqo9xedOC2E3BAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3910.jpg" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Curator shares the history of the pre-1920 massacre</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />It was Saturday, January 16th – the birthday of former farmworker and warrior for social and environmental justice for farmworkers, Geraldean Matthew, who sadly had passed away in October 2016. Though she could not be there, everyone felt her spirit was with them, as they visited the Orange County Regional History Center museum in downtown Orlando for a guided tour of the <a href="https://www.thehistorycenter.org/exhibition/the-ocoee-massacre/" target="_blank">“Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920” exhibit.</a></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCGqff_7KN4/YA8ImldqRQI/AAAAAAAAGW8/2eozT1cPAi42PObzGCR60QxSHtBoPeEZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCGqff_7KN4/YA8ImldqRQI/AAAAAAAAGW8/2eozT1cPAi42PObzGCR60QxSHtBoPeEZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3920.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Linda and Sr. Gail find a moment to reminisce.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quiltmakers, Linda Lee, along with her great-grandchildren, and Sarah Downs, who organized the field trip, took advantage of the opportunity to view the exhibit before it closes in March. Joining them was Sr. Gail Grimes, co-founder of the Farmworker Association of Florida, and Laura Firtel of the Hope CommUnity Center, both of whom have lived and worked in Apopka for many years and who know the lives and stories of the Black farmworkers in the community.</p><p></p><p>Geraldean, Linda, and others in the Black community in Central Florida remember the days when no Blacks lived in Ocoee and any Blacks traveling in the area made a wide berth around the town because of the collective historical memory of the racist atrocities there. Their parents and grandparents, and the elders in the community, remember the fear and terror of that terrible time. The exhibit, painstakingly researched, shows the history and events leading up to The Ocoee Massacre of 1920, which was and still is the largest example of voting-day violence in the history of this country.</p><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYd5RCPP_w4/YA8JyuYx4RI/AAAAAAAAGXc/CZDW_2LNP4Uzb3kQ5XtrEax6NdxwEWf8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYd5RCPP_w4/YA8JyuYx4RI/AAAAAAAAGXc/CZDW_2LNP4Uzb3kQ5XtrEax6NdxwEWf8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3911.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>How would you feel if only white men could be jurists?</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the early 20th century, there was a flourishing middle-class Black community in the town of Ocoee, northwest of Orlando. When Moses Norman, a Black man living in Ocoee, tried to vote on election day, he was turned away at the polls by the White poll workers. This triggered a series of events leading to the murder and lynching of July Perry and a massacre in which Whites, including members of the KKK, from as far away as Orlando, killed many members of the Black community and burned their homes. The result was a mass exodus of Black renters and homeowners away from the dangerous, life-threatening area for decades. Though Ocoee now boasts a more diverse community and a Black city councilman, the exhibit connects the historical events of racism, hatred, and terror to recent incidents “some right here at home,” and poses questions about how we can move forward.</p><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCtd_56k8MU/YA8J9EaE8KI/AAAAAAAAGXk/sceB_kRsxIs2ldHXGWooEpoBZPmOpe3PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCtd_56k8MU/YA8J9EaE8KI/AAAAAAAAGXk/sceB_kRsxIs2ldHXGWooEpoBZPmOpe3PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3917.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Linda’s great-grandchildren and Laura take a test to determine if they’d be able to vote in the Jim Crow era. Oh, wait. Laura wouldn’t have had to take the test. Hmm, wonder why.<br /></i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>To learn more about the Ocoee Massacre, visit: https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/the-ocoee-massacre-1920/</p><p></p><p>Thanks to the two knowledgeable curators who led our tour and interacted with all of us, from the 9-year-old to the 82 years young!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cthEwd7eda0/YA8JopCMfmI/AAAAAAAAGXY/GFCt5MaZXRgEIqSdAIHnlPK_8dYdBYb3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cthEwd7eda0/YA8JopCMfmI/AAAAAAAAGXY/GFCt5MaZXRgEIqSdAIHnlPK_8dYdBYb3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3923.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Markel and Martin meet.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br />“Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920” is extended through March 17, 2021. Don’t miss it!</p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-22563319638896953812020-11-16T10:06:00.000-08:002020-11-16T10:06:45.689-08:00"Labor of Love" Historic Apopka Mural Unveiled!<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-044Kkjk9tKc/X7K8yORDJcI/AAAAAAAAGUU/rF-SWNvhrWMrVzb3AGkhHOFGAe75s-n0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-044Kkjk9tKc/X7K8yORDJcI/AAAAAAAAGUU/rF-SWNvhrWMrVzb3AGkhHOFGAe75s-n0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSC_0334.JPG" width="400" /></a></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7530ad97-7fff-c15a-5c3b-b63d19550f93"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">On Sunday, November 1st, the community of Apopka gathered safely to celebrate the completed project of the historic Apopka mural, “Labor of Love.” Local residents had been working tirelessly on the project for over a year, and were finally able to unveil their labor to the community.</span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXmNv2_hL8g/X7K8yArB6sI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/-1zToeug2vQoGPIOF7bgtCfxQcMg2mRiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXmNv2_hL8g/X7K8yArB6sI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/-1zToeug2vQoGPIOF7bgtCfxQcMg2mRiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxwvJyLeHuw/X7K8TfYHA0I/AAAAAAAAGTI/FBnE_IWEC8AyjNsvO4uinrG6JCYIgSUDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxwvJyLeHuw/X7K8TfYHA0I/AAAAAAAAGTI/FBnE_IWEC8AyjNsvO4uinrG6JCYIgSUDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj-4NB0VT2U/X7K8S5DmzKI/AAAAAAAAGS8/6eUc1rzImNQHXxYg7LIAV9Mx37AiNatuACLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj-4NB0VT2U/X7K8S5DmzKI/AAAAAAAAGS8/6eUc1rzImNQHXxYg7LIAV9Mx37AiNatuACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h113/DSC_0287.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxwvJyLeHuw/X7K8TfYHA0I/AAAAAAAAGTI/FBnE_IWEC8AyjNsvO4uinrG6JCYIgSUDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h113/DSC_0311.JPG" width="200" /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRzMmDrwAJU/X7K8xuTtY3I/AAAAAAAAGUE/_kO7RiicQu4hbbMaQNmivC7XVr8YFadQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRzMmDrwAJU/X7K8xuTtY3I/AAAAAAAAGUE/_kO7RiicQu4hbbMaQNmivC7XVr8YFadQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Many Apopkans came out to the event, including City Council members and candidates for Seat 2. PPE, such as face masks, were distributed to those who arrived without them. Colorful kites soared above the socially distanced crowd, and a drum performance brought smiles to a lot of faces. Food was provided as well, making the event a time of community enjoyment in a period where such gatherings have been lacking.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq4dsaoMdvI/X7K8xg9LoPI/AAAAAAAAGUA/le4cvsZoQTwQZARryLlF62f2nZgDbOz0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq4dsaoMdvI/X7K8xg9LoPI/AAAAAAAAGUA/le4cvsZoQTwQZARryLlF62f2nZgDbOz0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4HOZiJdfcNc/X7K8xcGY3ZI/AAAAAAAAGT8/uDefZ-6JTJMC4Bl-pKdX2mPRvv3TJ8_rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4HOZiJdfcNc/X7K8xcGY3ZI/AAAAAAAAGT8/uDefZ-6JTJMC4Bl-pKdX2mPRvv3TJ8_rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The mural, which is located on the western side wall of the Big Potato Foundation in Apopka, depicts various scenes of the day-to-day life that older residents remember. Interviews were conducted with long-time Apopka residents to hear their stories on the history of their town. QR codes were incorporated into the mural so that when onlookers scan the codes with their smart devices, they will be able to listen to the oral histories themselves.</span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFYnKq4pgl4/X7K8xfo4_fI/AAAAAAAAGT4/qxJWb6siAFU07E4cx-50Ug-DpPMIgiMFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFYnKq4pgl4/X7K8xfo4_fI/AAAAAAAAGT4/qxJWb6siAFU07E4cx-50Ug-DpPMIgiMFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Head artist Linda Lee addressed the audience, discussing what the project meant to her. She wanted to create something that would last, something that could stand in to tell the stories of Apopka long after its original residents had moved on. “This mural is a legacy of hope for me,” she says. Lee believes that it is important for the younger generations to learn their history, to know their roots. She wants Apopkans to be proud of their hometown, and to want to work on the </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">community together. In fact, that’s why she chose to name the mural what she did. “We cannot be selfish in this world,” Lee states. “‘Labor of Love’ means we need to pour out the love towards each other.”</span></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6gRrWZYmLg/X7K8wp8ffDI/AAAAAAAAGTw/CJPgQ1MsRwwBwkfRzMvuHFXjkZiw8dPsACLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6gRrWZYmLg/X7K8wp8ffDI/AAAAAAAAGTw/CJPgQ1MsRwwBwkfRzMvuHFXjkZiw8dPsACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8c-QQ1xGQg/X7K8wt5Nd8I/AAAAAAAAGT0/JAHmHEn9yjQGOXoeWnTFGpBDVgMYMsghwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8c-QQ1xGQg/X7K8wt5Nd8I/AAAAAAAAGT0/JAHmHEn9yjQGOXoeWnTFGpBDVgMYMsghwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A huge thanks to all of Linda’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who not only contributed to the artwork, but spent countless days in the sun, heat, and rain in support of the work on the mural. Thank you to all of the many community members, artists, and volunteers who contributed so much to both the vision and the creation of this project. ‘Labor of Love” was truly a community project!</span></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Funding for the mural was through the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs and through generous donors who donated to our </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://ioby.org/project/lake-apopka-farmworkers-historical-mural" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: none;">Ioby online fundraiser</a>.</span></p></span><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFyRLPJ3AhE/X7K8wrs8p_I/AAAAAAAAGTs/30D8WoEdaf8OWPij9y_06Vxb6CMn_VWXACLcBGAsYHQ/s5568/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="5568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFyRLPJ3AhE/X7K8wrs8p_I/AAAAAAAAGTs/30D8WoEdaf8OWPij9y_06Vxb6CMn_VWXACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-39205019218762169882020-10-01T08:37:00.000-07:002020-10-01T08:37:34.571-07:00"Labor of Love" Mural Project is Complete!<p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMyPYHX4iS0/X3X1ogEgTqI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/GUzmJCjPt7g0Obm3Wxk7LsKHXDR5NilLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bof%2Bmural%2B9.18.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMyPYHX4iS0/X3X1ogEgTqI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/GUzmJCjPt7g0Obm3Wxk7LsKHXDR5NilLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bof%2Bmural%2B9.18.2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2394373a-7fff-06bf-8eac-bc9706017d84"><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After several months of painting, and over a year of planning, the Lake Apopka Farmworkers Historical mural, "Labor of Love," is just about complete! Located on the western side of the Big Potato Foundation, the mural was signed off on by the tireless artists last Sunday. Head artist Linda Lee spoke about what the mural means to her, and what she hopes that it will inspire in the Apopka community. Lee remembers the days when Apopka was booming, sporting a movie theater, shoeshine, and Mr. Jabo's ice cream parlor, which, according to Lee, was arguably the best ice cream in town. She remembers the hard work ethic of the residents, how everyone was proud of the community that they had built. Yet today, the newer generations can't seem to wait to get out of town. Lee says that the younger generations aren't proud of the place they grew up in like their older family members are. She wants to change that.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“We got a real town, we just got to keep it going on. If we don’t get up and do something, we're going to be the lost generation,” says Lee. The mural itself depicts the residents of Apopka as she knew them growing up: her dad picking onions, her grandfather chopping wood, people working in a real town. Perhaps the most unique feature of the artwork is the collection of QR codes integrated in the piece. When onlookers scan the codes with their phones, they will hear interviews with life-long Apopkan residents about the town’s history and their personal experiences. Lee’s hope is that people will come to look at this mural and think, “Wow, these people were proud."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOZjdmEWMUY/X3TwXX7PVSI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/xoBNFdhi4F0Tef53qT2-hRkak9BVs29AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bpeople%2Bunder%2Borange%2Btrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-indent: 36pt;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOZjdmEWMUY/X3TwXX7PVSI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/xoBNFdhi4F0Tef53qT2-hRkak9BVs29AwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bpeople%2Bunder%2Borange%2Btrees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apopka is not nowhere. As Lee puts it, “Put something into it, get something out of it.” The hope is that young people will learn about their hometown’s history and want to renew it. Apopka needs the businesses to come back. In other towns, there can be five Publix supermarkets within a mile of each other. In Apopka, there are just two. Lee wants to see her community launch the city into a whole new era, where people look out for and respect one another. Respect the past, and pave the way for a new future. “We cannot be selfish in this world,” Lee states. “‘Labor of Love’ means we need to pour out the love towards each other.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyMH9bIUcZI/X3T4KeSXg-I/AAAAAAAAGQc/DOwZzOOJr341mw5UJsAbH5CTzANtsX9-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bbasebal%2Bteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyMH9bIUcZI/X3T4KeSXg-I/AAAAAAAAGQc/DOwZzOOJr341mw5UJsAbH5CTzANtsX9-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bbasebal%2Bteam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPkhyDMLpQ4/X3T4KVssy2I/AAAAAAAAGQU/kHTxwz5mplMnfWHySdWkezThAlcdgoTDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bof%2Bbuilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPkhyDMLpQ4/X3T4KVssy2I/AAAAAAAAGQU/kHTxwz5mplMnfWHySdWkezThAlcdgoTDACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bof%2Bbuilding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyo2U82pRGE/X3T4KYa0VkI/AAAAAAAAGQY/0AzMuob636c-zcdLWNyOwwkRMNXEIBA_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bwatermelon%2Btruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyo2U82pRGE/X3T4KYa0VkI/AAAAAAAAGQY/0AzMuob636c-zcdLWNyOwwkRMNXEIBA_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Mural%2B-%2Bphoto%2Bwatermelon%2Btruck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check back here for information on the community unveiling party for the “Labor of Love” Historical Apopkan mural.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks to all of Linda’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren who not only contributed to the artwork but spend countless days in the sun, heat, and even rain in support of the work on the mural. Thanks to all the many community members, artists, and volunteers who contributed so much to both the vision and the creation of the mural. This was truly a community project! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Funding for the mural was through the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs and through generous donors who donated to our Ioby online fundraiser. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1zv3Jt_4Ng/X3T4mW3F-YI/AAAAAAAAGQo/PYH8f5FDO6ABTJEtASnzscQucIiLhqSLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/linda%2Blee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1zv3Jt_4Ng/X3T4mW3F-YI/AAAAAAAAGQo/PYH8f5FDO6ABTJEtASnzscQucIiLhqSLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/linda%2Blee.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187182529887898565.post-37955214199163289792020-07-20T15:24:00.000-07:002020-07-20T15:24:10.846-07:00"Labor of Love" Picture Progress!The "Labor of Love" mural is progressing, especially with the help from local community members and artists! Click the "read more" button to see the updated pictures for the Apopka history mural.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Recently we held a community work day, where members from Apopka and our community garden got a chance to come and work with lead artists Linda, Sarah, and Norman. To learn more about the community garden, you can view our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/campesinxsgardens" target="_blank">Campesinxs Garden Facebook page here!</a><br />
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It is incredibly important to the mural artists that this mural reflects the community, and in order to do this, we need community members to be involved in the creation and execution. This is why we are working so hard to involve community members of all ages and backgrounds. This mural is going to feature QR codes that can be scanned by your phone, so that you can listen to interviews conducted with life-long Apopka residents that cannot be physically present for the mural work.<br />
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Apopka is a city with a rich history, but unfortunately it is often snuffed out or forgotten, since it is a history that belongs to a black community. Artist Linda Lee is a big part of that history, and it is her goal to make sure the rich roots of Apopka are not forgotten!<br />
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To keep up with the Farmworker Association of Florida, you can follow our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FarmworkerAssocFL" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> or our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/floridafarmworkersassociation/" target="_blank">Instagram!</a>FWAFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315997732487313857noreply@blogger.com0