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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Chili's at Orlando Airport closing for upgrades.

• NIU coach's emotional triumph defines college football.

• A deep-dive into the life of Harry T. Moore.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor."

— Seneca

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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 Orlando, which annual event is celebrated with a parade and festival to honor the traditions and culture of Puerto Rico?

A) The Orlando Caribbean Festival

B) The Puerto Rican Day Parade

C) Fiesta in the Park

D) Calle Orange Downtown Block Party

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Orlando neighborhood famed for its role as a premier shopping destination, home to luxury brands, upscale boutiques, and fine dining options, is B) Park Avenue, Winter Park.

News

💼Business

Orlando International Airport's iconic Chili's restaurant to depart as a part of terminal upgrades. (link)

Maitland office market heats up with latest sale. (link)

🏒Sports

Mike Bianchi: Northern Illinois coach crying tears of triumph is what college football should be about. (link)

Camping World adds big stage to Jones-Edgewater football rivalry. (link)

🏦Finance

'Tide is turning': Downtown's Society apartment tower secures $155 million in financing. (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 City SC v Charlotte FC
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Wed • Sep 18 • 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Alec Benjamin: 12 Notes Tour
House of Blues Orlando, Orlando, FL
Mon • Sep 16 • 6:30 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Nesto's Jazz Trio
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Wed Sep 18 2024 10:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🧑‍🎓 Kids' Free Art Time
1702 Deerfield Blvd, Orlando, FL
Wednesday 18 September, 2024 at 4:30 pm | (More Info)

🌄 Teen Art Adventures: Doodle Art
5151 Raleigh St A, Orlando, FL
Monday 16 September, 2024 at 5:00 pm | (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 with a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants” 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

Gatorland Opens (1949) - Early attraction showcasing Florida's wildlife.

Gatorland, a pioneering wildlife attraction located in Orlando, Florida, opened its gates to the public in 1949. This unique park was founded by Owen Godwin, a passionate entrepreneur with a vision to create an attraction centered around Florida's most famous reptiles – alligators and crocodiles. Situated on a vast 110-acre plot, Gatorland was one of the first attractions of its kind, providing both residents and visitors an up-close look at these fascinating creatures in a setting that mimicked their natural habitats. Its opening marked a significant moment in Florida's tourism history, predating even the arrival of the major theme parks that today define the Orlando area.

Gatorland's early years were characterized by a simple yet effective appeal: the allure of Florida's indigenous wildlife, especially its robust population of alligators. The park showcased not only live alligator and crocodile exhibits but also featured snake shows, a petting zoo, and the swamp walk, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the state's rich biodiversity. It was Gatorland's genuine Floridian charm and its dedication to conservation and education that helped it stand out. The iconic Gator Mouth entrance, a large concrete alligator head through which visitors enter the park, quickly became a recognized symbol of Florida's quirky and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, Gatorland has expanded and evolved, introducing new exhibits, educational programs, and adventure experiences while maintaining its commitment to wildlife preservation. From the breeding marsh and bird rookery to the thrilling zip lines that soar over the park, Gatorland has managed to adapt to changing times without losing the essence of its original vision. Today, it serves as a vibrant reminder of Florida's natural beauty and its early days of tourism, continuing to enchant generations of visitors with the wonders of the state's wildlife. Gatorland stands not just as an attraction, but as a testament to Florida's enduring appeal and its role in the early days of creating immersive experiences that celebrate the natural world.

Famous People From Orlando

Harry T. Moore - Civil rights leader whose work had implications for racial justice across Florida, including Orlando.

Early Life and Education (1905-1925)

Harry T. Moore was born in Houston, Florida, to supportive parents who instilled in him the value of education and the importance of fighting for equality. Despite the racial segregation and discrimination prevalent in the South, Moore excelled academically, attending high school and later Bethune-Cookman College, where he further developed his passion for civil rights.

Becoming a Teacher and Advocate (1926-1937)

Upon completing his education, Moore began his career as a teacher in the segregated black schools of Brevard County, Florida. It was here that he met his wife, Harriette Vyda Simms Moore, also a teacher and civil rights advocate. Together, they dedicated themselves to improving the education and welfare of black students.

Founding the Brevard County NAACP (1934-1946)

In 1934, Moore took a significant step in his activism by founding the Brevard County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His leadership and advocacy through the NAACP brought about improvements in the salaries and working conditions of black teachers in Florida and intensified the fight against racial discrimination and segregation.

Championing Voting Rights and Political Activism (1940s)

Moore's activism extended beyond education into political arenas, where he tirelessly worked for the voting rights of African Americans in Florida. His efforts significantly increased black voter registration, making him a prominent political figure and a target for white supremacist groups.

The Progressive Voters' League (1944-1951)

In 1944, Harry T. Moore became the executive secretary of the Progressive Voters' League. His leadership greatly expanded the League's influence, tripling the registration of African American voters in Florida. Moore's political activism directly challenged the Jim Crow laws and policies in the South, marking him as a key figure in the early Civil Rights Movement.

Connection to Orlando: A Central Florida Advocate (1940s)

Though based in Brevard County, Moore's work had significant implications for racial justice across Florida, including Orlando. He organized citizenship and voter registration drives, pushing for equality and justice in Central Florida. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for the desegregation struggles that would later engulf the region.

The Groveland Case (1949-1951)

Moore's activism reached a critical point with the Groveland case, where four young African American men were falsely accused of raping a white woman in Lake County, near Orlando. Moore's outspoken support for the Groveland Four and his demands for a fair trial drew national attention and the ire of the Ku Klux Klan. His unwavering fight for justice in this case epitomized his commitment to civil rights.

Tragedy Strikes (1951)

On Christmas night, 1951, Harry T. Moore and his wife Harriette were killed in their home by a bomb planted by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Their murders marked the first assassination of a prominent civil rights leader in the United States and ignited a national outcry.

Legacy and Honors (1951 and Beyond)

Despite his untimely death, Moore's legacy lived on. He is remembered as a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement, whose efforts in Florida presaged the broader national struggle for racial equality. Schools, buildings, and awards have been named in his honor, and his life's work continues to inspire activists around the world.

Remembering Harry T. Moore (1951 and Beyond)

Moore's assassination did not silence the movement he helped nurture; rather, it amplified the call for civil rights across the nation. His courage, strategic approach to civil rights activism, and ultimate sacrifice are remembered and honored as foundational in the fight for justice and equality in America.

Key Achievements of Harry T. Moore:

• Founded the Brevard County NAACP, spearheading improvements in conditions for black teachers and students.

• Instrumental in the significant increase of African American voter registration in Florida through his work with the Progressive Voters' League.

• Became a key figure in the fight against racial discrimination and for civil rights in Florida, including his efforts in Orlando.

• Played a crucial role in advocating for the Groveland Four, highlighting racial injustices both locally and nationally.

• Became the first assassination victim of the Civil Rights Movement, marking a pivotal moment in the movement's history.

Harry T. Moore was a dedicated educator, civil rights leader, and a pioneering force for racial justice in Florida, including influential endeavors in Orlando. His assassination in 1951 was not only a personal tragedy but also a moment that galvanized the civil rights movement, illustrating the extremes to which opponents of equality were willing to go. Moore's life and legacy embody the spirit of resistance and the unyielding pursuit of justice, marking him as one of the early martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement in America.

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-Matthew Larsen

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