Come to the HUD Cafeteria to take part in the festivities from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and hear a special keynote speaker on this year's Black History Month theme: "The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?"

At the Orlando Area HUD Office, the fascinating history of African Americans in Central Florida was the theme of their Black History Month celebration. The event was highlighted by a speaker who vividly took the attendees back to the days of the community's first black settlers, and all who participated enjoyed a delicious ethnic meal as a great complement to program.

Flossie Foster, Orlando Area HUD Office Program Assistant; Geraldine F. Thompson, the guest speaker; and Bobbie Thomas, HUD SF Housing Specialist.

On Thursday, February 26th, the Orlando HUD staff heard from Geraldine F. Thompson, past chair of the Florida Commission on Human Relations, who presented an engaging look at Orlando's development. She began with the first black settlers, moved through segregation and challenge, and on to the 20th and 21st Century cultural, social, economic, and civic contributions of the black community and African American individuals. Ms. Thompson also is founder and president of New Day Enterprises, Inc., a human relations consulting firm, and an active member of The Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition, Inc. (PAST).

The Wells' Built Hotel, the only place black travelers could stay in the early years, and the adjacent Casino, where many black musicians and vocalists performed before they became world famous, were celebrated in a video presentation that offered a glimpse of the past - rekindling vivid memories for many Orlando employees. The hotel building has been rehabilitated by PAST, and now houses the Wells' Built Museum of African American History and Culture. PAST also is working to restore the home of Dr. William M. Wells, medical doctor and beloved community leader.