Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Monster Jam event

• Orlando Solar Bears game recap

• A deep-dive into the life of Zora Neale Hurston.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In which Orlando neighborhood can you find a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and a popular farmers' market on Sundays?

A) Winter Park

B) Thornton Park

C) Baldwin Park

D) College Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The lake in Orlando famous for its swan paddle boats and picturesque views of the city's skyline is A) Lake Eola.

News

💼 Business

The Orlando Black History Month Community Celebration on February 20, 2024, at Camping World Stadium, celebrated cultural contributions and business achievements within the African American community. (link)

Trivia night at The Corner Pizza Bar offered a casual networking opportunity for local businesses and patrons, fostering community connections. (link)

🏒 Sports

Orlando Solar Bears faced Worcester Railers in a hockey match at the Kia Center, offering an exciting gameplay experience for fans. (link)

A romantic cocktail party themed around sports and entertainment, "The F. Marrykill Affair," was held at The Abbey. (link)

"Moulin Rouge! The Musical" provided a sports-themed theatrical experience at the Dr. Phillips Center, celebrating athletic achievements through performing arts. (link)

Orlando City SC played against CF Montreal at Inter&Co Stadium on February 24, highlighting a thrilling soccer match for sports enthusiasts. (link)

🏦 Finance

The "Ignite Your Flow Yoga" event on February 19, at The Veranda in Thornton Park, highlighted wellness as an emerging market, reflecting on the financial growth of health-oriented businesses in Orlando. (link)

Drum Tao's performance at the Dr. Phillips Center on February 20, exemplified the financial impact of cultural events on the local economy, drawing attention to the arts sector. (link)

The Mayor Buddy’s Book Club event demonstrated investment in community literacy and education, showcasing public and private sector collaboration in Orlando's educational initiatives. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Orlando Solar Bears vs. Jacksonville Icemen
Kia Center, Orlando
Friday, Mar. 1st | 8:00 PM (More info)

🥊 Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA
Kia Center, Orlando
Saturday, Mar. 2th | 6:00 PM (More info)

🏀 Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons
Kia Center, Orlando
Sunday, Mar. 3rd | 6:00 PM (More info)

🚗 Monster Jam
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | 2:30 PM (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Disturbed
Kia Center, Orlando
Tuesday, Feb. 26th | 6:30 PM (More info)

🎶 Disturbed with Falling In Reverse
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Monday, Feb. 26th | 7:30 PM (More info)

Family

🎢 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Epcot, Orlando
Starting Feb. 28th (Ongoing Event) (More info)

🐬 SeaWorld's Seven Seas Food Festival
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando
Ongoing (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Orlando within a giant biodome.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orlando Historical Events

Great Freeze (1894-1895)

The Great Freeze of 1894-1895 was a catastrophic event for Orlando and the surrounding regions, delivering a severe blow to the citrus industry, which was the cornerstone of the local economy. Temperatures plummeted to unprecedented lows, causing widespread damage to citrus groves that had taken decades to cultivate. The freeze not only destroyed the current season's crop but also killed or severely damaged many trees, resulting in a loss of income for years to come. For a community that had heavily invested in citrus as a path to prosperity, the impact was both immediate and devastating.

The aftermath of the Great Freeze forced Orlando and its residents to confront the vulnerabilities of their economic reliance on a single industry. In the years that followed, the community began to diversify its economy, seeking to reduce the risk of future catastrophes. This period saw efforts to promote other agricultural products, as well as the development of tourism and other sectors. Despite the hardship, the freeze catalyzed a period of innovation and adaptation, encouraging Orlando to broaden its economic base and explore new opportunities for growth.

Moreover, the Great Freeze highlighted the importance of resilience and community solidarity in the face of adversity. The disaster brought people together, as they worked to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. It also led to changes in agricultural practices and the introduction of more freeze-resistant citrus varieties, demonstrating the community's ability to learn from the crisis and strengthen its preparedness for future challenges. The legacy of the Great Freeze in Orlando's history is not only one of loss and devastation but also of resilience, adaptation, and the transformative power of community effort in overcoming natural disasters.

Famous People From Orlando

Zora Neale Hurston: 1891-1960

Early Life in Eatonville, Florida (1891-1904)

Hurston was born in Notasulga, Alabama, and moved with her family to Eatonville, Florida, at a young age. Eatonville was one of the first all-black towns to be incorporated in the United States, and it served as a significant influence on Hurston’s future work. Growing up, she absorbed the stories, songs, and folklore of her community, which would later shape her literary canon.

Education and Harlem Renaissance (1910s-1920s)

Hurston pursued higher education with fervor, eventually attending Howard University, where she became one of the earliest initiates of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Her writing caught the attention of luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance, a major cultural movement of the time. Hurston moved to New York City, where she dedicated herself to writing and became a notable figure within the Renaissance, contributing to the real emergence of African-American literature.

Anthropological Research and Folklore Studies (1920s-1930s)

Hurston's curiosity led her to Barnard College, where she studied anthropology under Franz Boas, often considered the father of American anthropology. She embarked on field research in the Caribbean and the American South, collecting African-American folk tales, songs, and the voodoo practices of New Orleans and Haiti. This research informed much of her future work, blending literary craft with anthropological observation.

Literary Success and "Their Eyes Were Watching God" (1930s)

Among Hurston's most significant contributions to literature is her 1937 novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God." The novel, set in Florida, explores the life of Janie Crawford, an African-American woman navigating life and love in the early 20th century. The work is celebrated for its rich portrayal of Black life and culture, using dialect and anthropological insight to create a vibrant narrative landscape.

Connection to Orlando and Eatonville's Influence (1920s-1940s)

Hurston's connection to Orlando and the surrounding areas, including her hometown of Eatonville, deeply influenced her works. She depicted Florida life and its unique cultural tapestry through her writing, offering vivid narratives of the African-American experience in the South. Eatonville, in particular, served as the backdrop for many of her stories, reflecting the cultural richness and community dynamics that shaped her worldview.

Struggles and Later Life (1940s-1950s)

Despite her early success, Hurston faced financial struggles and waning popularity in her later years. Her conservative political views, especially her stance against the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, alienated her from some within the African-American and literary communities. She worked various jobs, including as a librarian and a teacher, and continued writing, though she never regained the acclaim of her earlier years.

Rediscovery and Posthumous Recognition (1970s-Present)

In the 1970s, author Alice Walker and others led a revival of interest in Hurston's work, recognizing her significant contributions to literature and anthropology. Walker's essay, "In Search of Zora Neale Hurston," published in Ms. Magazine in 1975, introduced Hurston’s legacy to a new generation. Today, Hurston is celebrated as a foundational figure in American literature and African-American cultural studies.

Key Achievements of Zora Neale Hurston:

• A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, contributing significantly to African-American literary and cultural emergence in the 20th century.

• Author of "Their Eyes Were Watching God," a seminal work in American literature, celebrated for its portrayal of African-American female identity.

• Conducted pioneering anthropological research, blending literary craft with in-depth cultural studies, particularly of African-American and Caribbean cultures.

• Hurston's work has been posthumously recognized and studied, becoming an essential part of the literary and cultural canon.

Zora Neale Hurston's life and work offer a profound exploration of African-American identity, culture, and narrative expression, marking her as one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century. Her dedication to capturing the lives and folklore of her community in Florida and the broader African-American experience has left an indelible mark on American culture. Today, Hurston's Eatonville, her Harlem Renaissance connection, and her pioneering literary voice continue to inspire and resonate with readers and scholars around the world.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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