OUR MOTTO

1887 First: Upholding History, Fostering Unity, and Driving Progress.

Founded by Julian Johnson to safeguard the historic Hungerford Property from a sale orchestrated by the Orange County Government, 1887 First has evolved into a profound movement dedicated to preserving and celebrating the distinct history, culture, and legacy of Eatonville, Florida – the first self-governing all-black municipality in the United States, established in 1887.

Our mission goes beyond protection – we are the caretakers of our town's past and the architects of its bright future. We believe in the power of unity, the importance of enhancing value, and the potential for transformative growth, guided by a collective approach to social change.

Embracing the ethos of 'doing for ourselves collectively', we seek to empower the citizens of Eatonville and our neighboring communities by focusing on the critical areas that shape our society: Financial Literacy, Economic Growth, and Political Education.

And our commitment does not stop there. As we strengthen these foundational aspects, we will extend our efforts into Mental Health, Skill Development, Gun Education and Safety, Permaculture, Arts & Music, and Special Needs Resources, reinforcing a comprehensive framework for holistic community betterment.