Preserving History, Inspiring the Future
Lift Orlando and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost Collaborate to Celebrate Black Leaders and the Stories Preserved in Local Murals
At Lift Orlando, we often say we invest in people, places, and partnerships. This gathering was a living expression of all three.
Inside the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center, neighbors stood shoulder to shoulder with elected officials, artists, educators, faith leaders, and families. The energy in the room was beautiful, rich, and soulful. It was the kind of evening you carried home with you.
In partnership with Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, we honored nine Black luminaries whose lives and leadership have shaped Central Florida in meaningful and lasting ways. Their names were formally read into the Congressional Record, ensuring their contributions are preserved not only in our community, but in our nation’s history.
Congressman Frost shared, “The leaders we celebrate today helped build the Central Florida we know and love, and their stories deserve to live in the Congressional Record and in our communities.”
The evening also carried a deeper note of reflection. On the heels of the passing of the great Jesse Jackson, a mentor and friend to Congressman Frost, we paused for a moment of silence. It was a powerful reminder that the work of justice, equity, and community building spans generations.
Honoring Central Florida’s Newest Luminaries
Each honoree represents a thread in the rich tapestry of this region.
Vice Admiral David Brewer III is a proud Jones High School graduate and Prairie View A&M alumnus who commanded more than 130 naval ships during his distinguished military career. After retiring from the Navy, he went on to lead the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he improved graduation outcomes for thousands of students. Today, he residents in the 32805 ZIP Code and is deeply involved in education efforts.
The Late Mayor Eddie Cole, beloved former Mayor of Eatonville, led Florida’s oldest Black incorporated municipality with heart and humility. Beyond public office, he spent decades mentoring youth, coaching at Rollins College, and serving as chaplain for the Orlando Magic. His leadership was rooted in faith, compassion, and deep love for community.
The Late Senator Geraldine Thompson was a barrier-breaking legislator, historian, and fierce advocate for justice. From preserving the Wells’Built Hotel to securing the exoneration of the Groveland Four, her nearly 20 years in the Florida Legislature changed the trajectory of countless lives. She was courageous, unwavering, and deeply committed to equity.
Justice James E.C. Perry, the 85th Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, broke barriers throughout his legal career, becoming the first African American Chief Judge of Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit before serving on the state’s highest court. A veteran and Columbia Law School graduate, his legacy is one of excellence, integrity, and quiet strength. During the event, he announced that he recently beat cancer and advocated for all Black men to get tested for prostate cancer.
Lisa Williams, senior national sales manager for the Orange County Convention Center and founder of L.A.N.E.S, Loving Assisting Nurturing Educating and Supporting Teenage Girls, has dedicated more than 20 years to mentoring girls across Orange County. Through safe and structured programs, she empowers young women to build confidence, find their voices, and dream big.
Anne Piervil, attorney with Florida Legal Services, has devoted her career to serving Haitian immigrants and survivors of crime across Florida. A proud daughter of Haitian immigrants, she works at the intersection of law and compassion, expanding access to critical legal resources for those who need them most.
Jennifer Desir Hilaire, founder of The Desire Foundation, has transformed adversity into hope for families in the Parramore community. Through monthly food distributions, job guidance, and grassroots mobilization, she fosters dignity and unity. She is a creative entrepreneur and community leader who brings people together across generations.
The Central Florida Association of Black Journalists, along with the legacy of Chester “Chet” Glover, have spent more than four decades strengthening the voice and visibility of Black media professionals in our region. Their commitment to mentorship and storytelling has helped shape how our community sees itself.
Alvin “A.C.” Cowans, president and CEO of McCoy Federal Credit Union since 1985, has spent more than 40 years advancing financial empowerment in Central Florida. A former University of Florida football standout and longtime community leader, he has guided institutions that impact thousands of families across multiple counties.
Preserving Legacy Through The Harmony Initiative
The evening also highlighted The Harmony Initiative’s Legacy Murals, a resident-driven public art series created through the HUD-funded Choice Neighborhoods effort led by Lift Orlando and the Orlando Housing Authority.
Renderings lined the lobby walls. Mosaic tiles rested on display tables. Guests leaned in closely, recognizing names, landmarks, and stories that shaped their childhoods.
These murals, placed throughout the communities that make up 32805, ensure that local history is not abstract. Rich history is now beautifully documented in the place where the residents live.
Keyania Johnson, Neighborhood Services Specialist at Lift Orlando, captured the spirit of the night perfectly when she shared, “We stand on some broad shoulders in this community. These murals are a documented footprint of our rich history. They help our children see where they come from, understand what it took to build this neighborhood, and carry that legacy forward.”
From tributes to Washington Shores Savings and Loan, the first bank in Florida created to serve African American residents, to installations honoring educators, civil rights advocates, and cultural leaders, the murals reflect stories chosen and guided by residents themselves.
You an explore more about the murals and experience them throughout the community at Choice-Orlando.com.
Lift Orlando thrives because of partnerships. These types of evenings are what help preserve the best parts of our community and inspire us to continue forward to create neighborhoods where children grow up with hope and return with joy.
