Opinion
Eatonville Has Paid a Price
Before another acre changes hands, let's find out how much. The Battle for the Negro Land & Mind — Founders Day 2026.
Julian Johnson · 2026-08-15
1887 First — independent Eatonville media platform and creative agency
Truth-centered reporting, land accountability, and full-service marketing and production rooted in America's first incorporated Black township.
Opinion
Eatonville Has Paid a Price
Before another acre changes hands, let's find out how much. The Battle for the Negro Land & Mind — Founders Day 2026.
By Julian Johnson · 2026-08-15
Who we are
An independent Eatonville media platform — and the agency that funds it.
1887 First grew out of Eatonville advocacy, community storytelling, and economic development work. We fought for the land, built a market for local business, and spoke up for residents and youth. The newsroom and the agency come out of that work.
Learn About 1887 First
1887 First Media Agency
We turn stories into strategy.
Marketing, advertising, content production, and community engagement for businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and cultural institutions.
Brand and campaign strategy
Positioning, messaging, and campaign architecture for organizations that need to be taken seriously the first time.
Digital advertising and media buying
Paid placement planning and buying across search, social, and local channels.
Social media and digital marketing
Always-on content, community management, and growth built on real audience relationships.
Photography and video production
Documentary photography and short-form video that treats communities as sources, not backdrops.
Content and visual storytelling
Editorial writing, design systems, and visual narratives that carry across every channel.
Community engagement
On-the-ground outreach, listening sessions, and partnership building with the people affected.
Milestones and impact
From advocacy to media.
2022
The Fight for Hungerford
1887 First began advocating for the Hungerford property. The developer pursuing the property at that time did not move forward. The outcome came from a broad coalition of residents, alumni, and community organizations.
July 2024
Launch of the 1887 Night Market
The 1887 Night Market launched in Historic Eatonville, creating a recurring commercial platform for Black-owned businesses.
Today
Launch of the 1887 First Media Agency
1887 First launches its media agency — marketing, advertising, content production, and community engagement that funds independent local coverage.
19
Markets
in Eatonville
200+
Black businesses
participated
15K+
Estimated visitors
brought to Eatonville
3M+
Social media
views
Source: 1887 First Two-Year Economic Impact Snapshot.
See Our Story and Impact
Selected work
See all case studies
1887 Night Market
Launching a recurring market in a historic district
A historic commercial corridor with foot traffic potential and no recurring retail platform for local businesses.
Night Market vendors
Documentary storytelling for small business owners
Vendors had products and no consistent visual or written presence to grow beyond market days.
Community advocacy
Turning public-record reporting into public participation
Residents were affected by land and development decisions they had little plain-language access to.
Digital Marketing Opportunities
Reach Eatonville and Central Florida.
Website advertising
Display placements across 1887First.com, sold by section or run of site.
Clearly labeled sponsored stories
Branded editorial produced by our team and labeled Sponsored on every surface.
Newsletter sponsorships
Placement inside the Eatonville newsletter, sent to opted-in subscribers.
Social media campaigns
Campaigns distributed through 1887 First channels.
Video sponsorships
Presenting sponsorship of documentary and interview video series.
Night Market and event activations
On-site brand presence, sampling, and activation at 1887 Night Market dates.
Get Your Brand in Front of Eatonville
Limited placements each month — claim yours.
Community reinvestment
1887 First reinvests in the community through The Ville CDC.
Support The Ville CDC