Eatonville, Fla., near Orlando, is significant in African American history. It was one of the first all-black towns established after the Emancipation Proclamation. Incorporated in 1887, it has a rich history and culture that are celebrated every year.
Eatonville is the oldest of the all-black towns established after slaves were emancipated, according to the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Formed in a unanimous vote by 27 black men, Eatonville and other all-black towns were havens for African Americans against the racial injustice of the day.
Eatonville is chiefly known as the hometown of noted African American author Zora Neale Hurston, born in 1891. Hurston chronicled the lives of African Americans in such books as "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Former National Football League defensive end Deacon Jones was born and raised in Eatonville.
Every January, thousands of people head to Eatonville for the Zora Festival of the Arts and Humanities. The annual festival celebrates the life of the writer, folklorist and anthropologist, according to Discover Black Heritage, as well as "the town of Eatonville, and the contributions of African Americans to the United States and the world."
