Welcome to the Palm Beach County Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Here you’ll find the 15 locations on the trail specific to the central portion of Palm Beach County. Please visit the Palm Beach County Black Cultural Heritage Trail home page to find destinations in the West, South, and North portions of the trail along with a full interactive map of the trail.

This post was written by Brian Knowles of Power Builders. All photography by Daniel Fortune.

Designated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, the Northwest Historic District stands as one of South Florida’s earliest African American settlements. Flourishing between the 1920s and 1960s, the Northwest emerged as a lively economic, social, and cultural hub for African Americans, driven in part by the imposed segregation laws of the time. Originally encompassing the area from Fern Street to 23rd Street, between the Seaboard (CSX) Railroad and the Florida East Coast Railroad, its present historic boundaries now span from 2nd Street to LA Kirksey/15th Street, situated between Tamarind and Rosemary avenues.

Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School
1601 N. Tamarind Avenue, West Palm Beach

In 1950, Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School succeeded Industrial High School, which was established in 1914 as Palm Beach County’s first high school for African Americans. The original Industrial building currently accommodates the nearby U.B. Kinsey/Palm View Elementary School. Nearly all structures on the former Old Industrial High School campus were demolished, except for the chapel. Various sources indicate that Roosevelt’s mascot, the Maroon Devil, was a tribute to the Black Seminoles or “maroons.”

This educational institution stood as a cornerstone for the Northwest community. Numerous cultural events and gatherings occurred here year-round, featuring guest speakers and musical performances. Between 1950 and 1970, this formerly exclusively Black school played a pivotal role in fostering some of the city’s foremost Black professionals, such as engineers, lawyers, doctors, and educators. In 1968, the basketball team attained an undefeated record, clinching the state championship in Florida’s first integrated tournament. Both the band and choir earned high praise and recognition on both state and national levels.

Adjacent to the school, there was once Roosevelt Junior College, the county’s first higher education institution for African Americans, which began admitting students in the fall of 1958. The school ceased operations on June 20, 1965, due to efforts promoting integration, leading some students and faculty to transfer to Palm Beach Junior College (now Palm Beach State College). Regrettably, most students and faculty faced displacement as a result.

Led by the Roosevelt Alumni Association, Palm Beach County Schools, and key community figures, Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation. This initiative aims to bring forth new buildings and upgraded spaces dedicated to adult education, a Black history museum, and a library.

Additional sites and landmarks nearby include:

The Jenkins House
815 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach

Dr. Joseph Wiley Jenkins and his wife, Roberta Robinson Jenkins, moved from South Carolina to West Palm Beach where Dr. Jenkins initially worked at the Palm Garden drugstore. In 1937, they established the Economical Drug Store in the Black entertainment district, becoming a popular gathering place near the Grand Theater. In 1946, they built a plantation-style home on Division Avenue, a meeting place for West Palm Beach’s Black society. After Dr. Jenkins’ death in 1950, Roberta ran the drugstore for two years, taught elementary school for forty years, and co-founded a sorority for Black educators. The City of West Palm Beach purchased the house to prevent demolition, relocating it to 815 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard in 2001. Renovated, it became the Artists Showcase of the Palm Beaches in 2001, focusing on culturally diverse art exhibitions and educating underserved children about their heritage through art.

Cracker Johnson House
719 14th Street, West Palm Beach

James Jerome “Cracker” Johnson, a figure of significant influence, engaged in various business activities such as pawnbroking, gambling, and bootlegging. Beginning as a cabin boy on a freighter at sixteen, he later worked as a constable and established a moonshine business in Florida in 1899. Johnson expanded into real estate, acquiring properties across the state. He owned and operated a pool hall on Banyan Street, the Dixie Theater on Rosemary Avenue, and a party boat. In response to segregation, he built a red brick jail in 1921 at Second Street and Rosemary Avenue to house Black individuals who were previously jailed outside the city. When the city was financially strained, he loaned the city $50,000 to balance the budget.

Despite engaging in some illegal enterprises, Johnson used his businesses to support the community, offering jobs during the Depression. Known as a philanthropist, he was recognized for his generosity by his church, the Boy and Girl Scouts, his legal representatives, individuals pursuing college education, and anyone facing various needs. Tragically, he was shot and killed in 1946 behind his Florida Bar by an unknown assailant.

Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
801 8th Street, West Palm Beach

Throughout history, the church has served as a foundational pillar and a stabilizing influence within the Black community. As a growing number of African Americans settled in the Palm Beaches during the late 19th century, establishing churches was among their earliest endeavors.

Originally known as Mount Olive Baptist Church and founded in 1893 with 18 members, Tabernacle Baptist Church emerged in the Styx neighborhood during the Royal Poinciana Hotel’s development in Palm Beach. Reverend W.L. Rozier served as the first pastor. The congregation later relocated to Clematis Street and Tamarind Avenue, adopting the name Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Notably, the church played a pivotal role in establishing the first public school for African American children in Palm Beach County, hosting classes from 1894 to 1896.

Unfortunately, the original church building was destroyed in a storm in 1902. The congregation rebuilt a new Tabernacle Church in the Romanesque Revival style on 8th Street in 1925. Over the years, the church membership grew significantly, including descendants of West Palm Beach’s pioneer families.

Additional sites and landmarks nearby include:

Payne African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Chapel
801 9th St, West Palm Beach

Designed by African American architect Hazel Augustus, Payne Chapel was established in January of 1893 amid an era marked by pioneering efforts. The initial church, named Bethel and situated in what is now Palm Beach’s “The Styx,” was founded by individuals such as Ed Walstine, Philip Akery, Bell Jones, Susan Gee Cook, Margaret Akery, D. Jones, and Haley Mickens.

In 1894, under the leadership of Rev. T. W. Wilson, the church transitioned its name from Bethel to Payne Chapel as a tribute to Bishop Daniel A. Payne. Initially located at Banyan and Tamarind Avenue, the church faced destruction in 1928 due to a hurricane that leveled the structure on Banyan Street. Subsequently, services were conducted in the basement of the “New Church on the Hill” starting in January 1929. Despite these challenges, Payne Chapel persevered, and by 1937, the primary auditorium was dedicated, signifying the ongoing progress of the church.

Sunset Lounge and Heart & Soul Park
609 8th St, West Palm Beach
825 N Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach

The Sunset Roof Garden and Grill initially opened in the form of a ground-level service station, complete with auto storage and a gas pump. Situated on the second floor was a roof garden and grill. In 1933, the vision of Robert L. Saunders materialized into the establishment of the Sunset Royale Night Club. The existing concrete block structure was expanded to include a first-floor bar and lounge, a second-floor ballroom featuring a mezzanine level and an elevated stage. By 1942, it gained recognition as the Sunset Auditorium was advertised in the nationally circulated Crisis magazine, an acclaimed African American publication founded by W.E.B. Dubois.

Referred to as “The Cotton Club of the South,” the Sunset, during its prime, earned the distinction of being the “largest fireproof dance hall in the south owned and operated by Colored People.” In the Big Band era, renowned musicians such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Bill Doggett graced the Sunset with their performances, contributing to its vibrant history.

In 1948, ownership transitioned to the next generation when Robert L. Saunders sold the business to his nephew, Dennis Starks. Under Dennis and Thelma’s management, the venue evolved into the (then) Sunset Cocktail Lounge, a legacy they upheld until their passing. Despite the conversion of the upstairs dance hall into apartments in 1977, the ground-level lounge continued to operate as a bar until its closure in 2018. In 2022, substantial renovations were completed on the music and entertainment venue, spearheaded by the Community Redevelopment Agency of West Palm Beach.

The Heart & Soul Park is a vibrant showcase of mosaic art, celebrating local heritage and notable figures. The public art project, led by artist Elio Mercado serves as a community center and interactive art exhibition. Key figures featured include Gwen Cherry, Florida’s first black woman legislator; Count Basie, a Jazz legend and Grammy award recipient; Robert Saunders, the architect of the iconic 1933 Sunset Lounge; Dr. Alice F. Mickens, a civic leader and advocate for education; James Brown, a pivotal entertainer in the 20th century; Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, jazz virtuosos; Hazel Augustus, Palm Beach County’s first black architect; Duke Ellington, honored with a monument; Mildred “Millie” Gildersleeve, a pioneering midwife; Dennis & Thelma Starks, longtime owners of the Sunset Lounge; Ike & Tina Turner, a musical duo; Dr. T. Leroy Jefferson, West Palm Beach’s first black physician; Nat King Cole and Ray Charles, legendary musicians who performed at the Sunset Lounge; and Alice E. Moore, a dedicated educator with ties to the Mickens family. The mosaic art creates a visually rich tribute to the community’s history and influential individuals.

Storm of ’28 Memorial Park
924 25th Street, West Palm Beach

The hurricane on September 16, 1928, also known as the Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928, caused widespread destruction, and resulted in a significant loss of life, with estimates ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 fatalities. The collapse of the Lake Okeechobee dike led to severe flooding, leading to most deaths. After the disaster, mass graves were established to bury the victims, with separate locations for white and Black victims in West Palm Beach. Approximately 674 Black victims were buried in a mass grave in the City’s pauper’s burial field at Tamarind Avenue and 25th Street. Many others were never found.

Dorothy and Robert Hazard played a significant role in including the Storm of ’28 Memorial Park in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The park is part of the Florida Black Heritage Trail, and a marker was erected in 2001 by the City of West Palm Beach and the State of Florida. In 2019, the Hazard duo formed the Storm of ’28 Memorial Park Coalition with the mission to establish a memorial and passive park for the 674 African American victims of the Storm of 1928 buried in West Palm Beach without identification or coffins.

Additional sites and landmarks nearby include:

Evergreen Cemetery
2825 N Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach

Evergreen Cemetery served as the final resting place for both influential black citizens and lesser-known contributors to the development of West Palm Beach. Established in 1913 by a group of seven trustees and owners, the cemetery was situated on land originally part of Gale’s Lake Worth Plat No. 1. In 1916, these individuals, joined by four others, formed the Evergreen Cemetery Association, with M.J. Gildersleeve as its president. Notably, this became the first privately-owned cemetery for African Americans in the state. Prior to the establishment of Evergreen Cemetery, black individuals were relegated to the “colored cemetery” on South Dixie Highway, as they were denied burial in Woodlawn Cemetery until 1966. Prominent figures laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery include Dr. T. Leroy Jefferson, the city’s first black physician; J.W. Mickens, an early educator; Henry Speed, a real estate investor; and Dr. J.R. Vickers, a physician.

In 1981, the City Commission designated Evergreen Cemetery as a site of local historical significance, and in 1987, the City of West Palm Beach took ownership and assumed responsibility for the cemetery. However, in 1997, West Palm Beach City commissioners were presented with alarming video footage by residents. The footage depicted crypts and tombstones damaged or displaced due to the elements, and instances of vandalism and theft. Responding to this, the city allocated funds to renovate the property by reinterring scattered bones, constructing a fence, installing lights, paving a road, and planting grass.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark Memorial
2400 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach

Spearheaded by Martin Luther King Coordinating Committee Palm Beach County, The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark Memorial, completed in 2004, is a tribute to Dr. King’s life, work, and civil rights activism. It is the largest of its kind in Florida and the southern United States, symbolizing his efforts toward social justice, economic equity, and equality. Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his leadership in the civil rights movement and commitment to racial justice through nonviolent means, is prominently honored in the memorial.

Designed in gold and black to represent the colors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Dr. King’s fraternity at Boston University), the landmark features a large sculpture of Dr. King by Steven Dickey.

The memorial includes plaques, photos, and a curved granite wall of quotations. A paved walkway extends along the Intracoastal, connecting the memorial to the Palm Beach Maritime Museum and the Currie Park parking lot. Parking is available on North Flagler Drive in front of the memorial. The design reflects Dr. King’s legacy and his association with Alpha Phi Alpha, where he received the Alpha Award of Honor in 1956 for “Christian leadership in the cause of first-class citizenship for all mankind.”

Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
300 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach

In March 2008, the museum welcomed visitors within the downtown area of West Palm Beach, finding its home in the historic 1916 Courthouse, which also housed all the county’s government offices. The foremost repository for the history of Palm Beach County, The Historical Society of Palm Beach County boasts a vast and enduring collection of artifacts and images, encapsulating over 12,000 years of both Palm Beach County and Florida’s historical narrative.

The museum showcases exhibits commemorating African Americans’ impactful contributions to Palm Beach County’s evolution. Additionally, it houses a comprehensive archival collection encompassing around four million images and an array of primary and secondary sources related to the history of Palm Beach County and Florida.

Lake Worth Beach Unity Wall
1426 Wingfield Street, Lake Worth Beach

Erected in 1954, the 1100-foot-long concrete barrier standing at six feet in height along Wingfield Street was built with the purpose of confining Black residents within the Osborne Colored Addition. This designated neighborhood for Black residents was originally plated in 1917. On November 22, 1966, an ordinance was sanctioned, establishing a ‘negro district’ that encompassed Osbourne and portions of the adjacent Lantana. This specific area remained the sole legally designated “colored” region in Palm Beach County until 1969. Over the years, the construction of the wall intermittently sparked conflicts.

In 2021, the Osborne Community took a significant step towards unity by unveiling a wall covered with murals. This initiative aimed to bring people of different races together. The city organized a celebration in the Whispering Palms, a formerly all-white neighborhood on the opposite side of the wall, to commemorate this transformation and foster a sense of unity among residents.

Additional sites and landmarks nearby include:

St. John’s Episcopal Church
810 Washington Ave, Lake Worth Beach

Established in 1927 by a community of Anglicans from the Bahamas, Saint John’s emerged out of the necessity for a place of worship amid legal racial segregation. The initial services took place in a wooden house during the early twenties. As the congregation steadily expanded, the demand for a dedicated church building became increasingly apparent. Notably, Saint John’s also served as the first school for African American children in what was then referred to as Osbourne Colored Addition.

Lake Worth Historical Museum
414 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach

The preservation mission of the Lake Worth Historical Museum revolves around documenting and showcasing the history and culture of Lake Worth. Through the collection, organization, and exhibition of artifacts, books, photographs, and various materials, the museum chronicles the evolution of Lake Worth and its cultural narrative. Notably, the exhibits also delve into the significant role of African Americans in the region, recognizing their crucial role as pioneers and contributors to the area’s development. It is noteworthy that the city’s foundation is attributed to Fannie James, an African American woman.

James Homestead and First Jewell Post Office Marker
514 South Lakeside Drive, Lake Worth Beach

The James Homestead and Post Office play a significant role in Lake Worth’s pre-city history. In 1885, Samuel and Fannie James, an African American couple, were among the first to claim a homestead in the region. Samuel, a carpenter, constructed their initial home. In 1889, Fannie sought to establish their store as a post office, naming the community Jewell. Fannie, serving as postmaster, initially received mail by boat but later shifted to train deliveries with the completion of the Florida East Coast Railway. In 1910, Fannie sold most of her property to Palm Beach Farms Company, retaining only the lot with the house. Sale records place the James home/post office within 100 feet of the present South Bryant Park Picnic Pavilion. As pivotal early settlers, the James family holds significance in both Lake Worth and African American history in Florida.