Celebrate the New Historic Markers in Greater Bond

Описание: This Black History Month, a community-driven project culminated with the unveiling of a series of historic markers in the Greater Bond neighborhood. A celebration and walking tour was held on Friday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. at Speed-Spencer-Stephens Park, 1907 Saxon Street.

The markers, designed by an 11-person committee of residents, preserve stories of the Greater Bond neighborhood and honor neighbors who lived in the prominent, historically Black community. Many Greater Bond residents have made substantial impacts on both the neighborhood and the larger Tallahassee community as business owners, educators, public servants and Civil Rights leaders. In the early days of Bond, thousands of parishioners would gather on any given Sunday at different churches for services, revivals and meetings that fostered a cohesive community. Today, historic places of worship including Flipper Chapel AME, Fountain Chapel AME, Greater Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church and more continue that time-honored tradition.

The area on the south side of Tallahassee that became the Bond Community was a blueberry farm owned by Benjamin J. and Leticia J. Bond until 1927. Following the death of Mr. Bond, his wife carved the land into plots that were purchased by African Americans seeking new properties. The sprawling fields of sweet berries soon were replaced by homes, grocery stores, washhouses, cafes, schools, churches and other establishments that created a vibrant community.

The project is part of the City of Tallahassee’s Greater Bond Neighborhood First plan, which was adopted by the Greater Bond Neighborhood Association on September 24, 2018. The Greater Bond Neighborhood First Plan addresses the neighborhood’s top priorities and concerns: Community Beautification, Land Use, Economic Development and Resident Empowerment, and Neighborhood Safety and Crime Prevention.

We hope you visit the park and enjoy the markers!

#africanamericanhistory #preservinghistory #tallahassee #visittallahassee