A mural project celebrating the history of Parramore
This article originally appeared on the CREW Orlando website in March 2022.
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RISING UP PARRAMORE
CREW Orlando has a history of community outreach projects and endeavors, including the Tower of Light. In 2022, CREW Orlando will be collaborating with the City of Orlando, Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation (ONIC) and local female artists of color to design and paint a mural honoring those who provided their services to the community of Parramore during segregation. Particular attention will be paid to the history of the Wells’ Built Hotel which hosted artists and musicians of color during their stay in Orlando, as well as professionals (lawyers, doctors and nurses) who provided their services to the Parramore community at a time when its residents could not obtain services elsewhere. Artists depicted on the mural could include such renowned musicians as Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, BB King, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, all of whom have ties to the Wells’ Built Hotel. Potential past community leaders could include Mercedes Clark, Thelma Montgomery, Dr. Wells, Paul C. Perkins, Dr. James R. Smith and Georgia Woodley. The theme will speak to the idea of Parramore “rising up” against all odds, and the community contributions that made it happen. This seven-story mural will be produced on the CityView Apartment Building (101 S. Terry Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805), which is blocks from the former Wells’ Built Hotel (now, the Wells’ Built Museum). The project will brighten the landscape of the Parramore community while serving as an iconic art exhibit educating the public and honoring those who built the history of the Parramore district.
The project will also serve as a catalyst for CREW Orlando’s CREW Careers program providing educational and mentoring opportunities for high school youth who have an interest in commercial real estate. The estimated budget for the project is $120,000. CREW Orlando will be contributing approximately $10,000 and Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill has committed $10,000 toward the project. CREW Orlando will be raising funds for the remainder of the expenses. CREW Orlando’s efforts in coordinating the mural project and the CREW Careers program are strictly volunteer. No one in CREW Orlando will be paid for their work in connection with the project. CREW Orlando is committed to working with the Parramore community on the design of the mural, and will include local residents and community leaders in the design process. CREW Orlando understands that the Parramore community has been underserved for many decades and is excited to celebrate those past community leaders and their contributions to the Parramore Community, in addition to the legendary artists who have made their mark on our community.
