The men and women who built and sustained businesses in Parramore during the era of segregation challenged the image of a perpetual, low status working class that defined the expectations for African Americans coming out of enslavement. Black entrepreneurs addressed the consumer and service needs of the African American community and represented their neighbors to the powerful. They served as role models and built the physical, social, and educational infrastructure that shaped the future.

“Entrepreneurship in Parramore” is a digital exhibit created by the UCF Department of History RICHES Digital Archiving Project. The exhibit is a map-based interactive digital exhibit that focuses on the Parramore business community over the period 1870-2020. The presentation will include an overview of the project with special emphasis on the period 1870-1965. The RICHES Team will provide an outline of the Parramore Project and an exploration of the interactive elements.  A second panel of students and Parramore historians will present the community engagement that is the foundation of the project, including the collection of oral histories, images, and memorabilia.  The audience will be invited to view additional archival images, listen to oral histories, and engage in a discussion on Parramore’s business history.

The creators of “The Roots of Entrepreneurship in Parramore” express their gratitude to the UCF College of Arts and Humanities, the UCF Department of History, the City of Orlando , Commissioner Shan Rose and the Parramore Speaks Project, Iron Mountain Living Legacy Grant, Orange County Regional History Center, Wells Built Museum of African American History and Culture and the work of Senator Geraldine Thompson in preserving Parramore history, and the many people who shared their stories and their artifacts with the RICHES Digital Archiving Project.

This event is supported by the Orange County Regional History Center.