Twenty-six years ago, a city roadway project threatened to destroy the history of a small Central Florida town. Residents of Eatonville - one of the first all black towns in the United States - put on a festival showcasing the rich history of the town, including the home of author Zora Neale Hurston.
Their efforts to preserve the town's history worked, but still faces challenges in balancing historical preservation and development. "It’s not about burying your head in the sand and saying I don’t want to do anything to change what was the past glory of a community,” says N.Y Nathiri, Director of Multidisciplinary Programs at Preserve Eatonville.
The festival continues this week. 90.7's Matthew Peddie speaks with Nathiri to talk more about the history of the festival and the efforts to preserve Eatonville’s deep history.
Intersection is supported in part by Florida Hospital