FROM THE PUBLISHER
esTebanA
FLORIDA’ S BLACK ARTS CULTURE AND HERITAGE MAGAZINE
At Estebana, our mission is to shine a light on Florida’ s untold stories of Black heritage, arts and culture— and to honor the people and places that have shaped our communities, often without the recognition they deserve. This issue of ESTEBANA reflects that mission in powerful and deeply personal ways.
Our cover story honors Sen. Geraldine Thompson, whose life’ s work was dedicated to education, historic preservation and cultural equity. In Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future, we reflect on her enduring legacy and her belief that history is not something to be archived, but something to be protected, taught and carried forward. Her leadership
reminds us that preserving Black history is an act of responsibility— and hope.
Throughout this issue, we explore how history continues to live through culture, place and creative expression. In Old Sistrunk Distillery at The Victory Building, we share the story of Victor Harvey’ s vision to transform a historic Fort Lauderdale landmark into the future home of Florida’ s first Black-owned distillery. Rooted in the legacy of Sistrunk Boulevard and the historic Victory Theater, the project reflects how entrepreneurship can honor the past while building opportunity for the future.
Music and memory intersect in Where History Sings: The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, which highlights the role of sound and storytelling at Fort Mose Historic State Park, a site that continues to symbolize freedom, perseverance and courage.
We also look back at spaces that offered refuge and dignity in difficult times. Orlando’ s Wells’ Built Hotel Welcomed Blacks in Jim Crow Era revisits the legacy of the Wells ' Built Hotel, a cultural hub that served as a cornerstone of Black life, travel and entertainment.
These stories— along with others in this issue— remind us that Black history in Florida is not hidden. It is all around us, waiting to be seen, heard and honored.
HOWARD M. HOLLEY Co-Publisher
PUBLISHER Howard M. Holley
EDITOR Alesia Wilbekin
CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Elesha Mavrommatis
ART DIRECTOR Leslie Proctor
CHIEF OPERATING AND SALES OFFICER Jeanne Coates
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Yvette Alleman
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