City Commissioner Diane Velazquez

South Apopka

In this episode of tater talk we chat with local resident of unincorporated Southern Apopka, Francina Boykin, about the history of this community. From Mead's Bottom to L.T. Hunt, the local "Black Wall St.", and Michael Gladden Jr., this community has a vibrant history. Stay tuned for more summer episodes!

The Civil War, Delk's Plantation, and Mead's Bottom

Join us for an educational discussion with Vice President of the Apopka Museum, Ms. Francina Boykin, about Apopka's 19th century Black community and history. From paddling up and down the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run, to the establishment of a community from scratch at Mead's Bottom, there are many incredible stories of hardship, survival, perseverance, and success in frontier Apopka. Please stay tuned for our next episode of the Black History Month Series.

Dr. Robert Williams, a pioneer in educational achievement

For our second episode of the Apopka Museum's Black History Month Series 2026, Joshua McMillan (host) sits down with Dr. Robert Williams, a lifelong Apopkan who is the first Black PHD Graduate from our city. Raised in the 1940's and 50's under Jim Crow segregation, his story of academic success in the musical field at Bethune-Cookman University along with his late brother's success, Alonzo Williams Jr., who was the first Black City Commissioner in Apopka, constitute a lasting family legacy that inspires many young Black students today. More episodes coming soon!

Linda Lee: The Legacy of Lake Apopka's Farmworkers

In honor of Black History Month, we are sitting down with local prominent Black members of our community. In this episode Joshua McMillan (host) talks with Linda Lee, an advocate, artist, and member of the Farmworker Association of Florida. She has shed light through her voice and artwork on the Ecological Disaster of Lake Apopka and its human toll due to pesticide poisoning at the "muck farms". Stay tuned for more episodes from this series!

Lillie Mae King Harper 104th birthday interview, a local legend

True living local legend: Mrs. Lillie Mae King Harper, the beloved Monarch of Plymouth, FL, a historic Apopka community. In collaboration with Beehive Lodge #779, Mrs. Francina Boykin had the privilege of interviewing Mrs. Harper on her 104th birthday. This remarkable milestone embodies grace, resilience, and the love of life. We invite you to watch this powerful testimony of Plymouth's history and community. To sit in her presence is to sit with wisdom itself. A special thank you to Beehive Lodge #779 and videographer Demarcus Fry for making this possible.