Celebrating Black History: Frank R. Israel and Walter B. Simpson
Who were Frank R. Israel and Walter B. Simpson?
From 1887-1893, these men served as the first (and only) African Americans to hold elected office in Winter Park’s city government.
While we cannot know for certain, historians have speculated that the man holding the newspaper is Gus Henderson, who may be holding a copy of the newspaper he started, The Winter Park Advocate, and the two men on his left and right could be Mr. Israel and Mr. Simpson. If these men are Mr. Israel and Mr. Simpson, then these are the only photos of them that remain.
Hannibal Square Community Land Trust is proud to have a street named after these two men in the heart of our Canton Park development!
