Ocoee Massacre: City marks 100 years since deadly Election Day
The Ocoee Massacre, the day when dozens of African-Americans were killed by a white mob after Moses Norman tried to legally cast his ballot in the city. On Monday, Orlando and Orange County leaders met with descendants of the victims killed in the tragedy at a new exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center. โTo know that a loved one was lynched, for no reason -- senseless -- that is not something that you talk about day to day,โ McWhite said. On Wednesday, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings declared Nov. 2 as โThe Descendants of the Ocoee Massacre: Honoring their Ancestors Dayโ in Orange County. Ron DeSantis also issued a proclamation designating Nov. 2, 2020 as 1920 Ocoee Election Day Massacre Remembrance Day in Florida.
New Orange County History Center exhibit showcases Ocoee Massacre 100 years after violence
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ In addition to Election Day, Florida is just days away from marking 100 years since an important yet dark moment in Central Floridaโs history: The Ocoee Massacre. A new exhibit, entitled โYesterday this was Homeโ at the Orange County Regional History Center showcases the events that surround the Ocoee Massacre. โThe Ocoee Massacre is a really dynamic event to talk about,โ she said. โOne of the hardest things about the Ocoee Massacre is how many versions of the story exist. The exhibit comes after a strong push throughout the state to raise awareness on the Ocoee Massacre, including mandating the events be taught in Florida schools.
Ocoee community celebrates bill signing of July Perry Memorial Highway
OCOEE, Fla. The road between Winters Landing Drive and Clarke Road along State Road 438 will now be known as Julius July Perry Memorial Highway. Ron DeSantis signed SB-78 approving the honorary road designation that pays homage to one of the Ocoee Massacres notable victims. The event happened nearly 100 years ago when 50 Black men were shot and killed as they tried to exercise their right to vote. Mose Norman was among one of the Black men trying to get to the polls and was determined not to return home without his vote being counted. Sen. Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee) proposed the bill to help spread the story of the Ocoee Massacre and to acknowledge the history that is woven into the towns fabric.