Central Florida's economy was firmly based on slavery, with almost all slaves (98%) engaged in agricultural work. Most of them worked on large plantations owned by wealthy “planters”, an elitist class of farmers who had at least 20 slaves and more than 500 acres. Florida was home to slave plantations as early as the 16th century. Evan Bennett, associate professor of history at Florida Atlantic University, explains that these plantations occupied most of South Florida.
The story dates back to the 1840s. Recently, two petitions have been circulating to change the names of Broward County and the City of Plantation due to their association with a dark past. City commissioners and the mayor of Broward County have acknowledged the requests and stated that the issue could be discussed in the future. Plantation Mayor Lynn Stoner has not responded to requests for comment this week, but Dharyl Auguste, a Plantation resident, feels he has an ally in Councilmember Denise Horland.
When the western city of Broward was created in 1953, it was promoted as an idyllic haven from the hustle and bustle of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The initial advertising for housing in the city of Plantation focused on moving away from the city, which in a way is a code to “get away from people of color found in places like Fort Lauderdale and Miami” and, of course, when established, it establishes itself as a segregated community. Recent events have inspired Dharyl Auguste to start engaging in conversations about his own city and Broward County in general. It is essential to recognize the role that enslaved people played on plantations in Broward County, FL and to understand how this history has shaped our present. The legacy of slavery is still present today.
The names of Broward County and Plantation are reminders of this dark past. It is important to acknowledge this history and to recognize how it has impacted our present. We must also remember that enslaved people were not just victims but also active participants in their own liberation. It is essential to recognize the role that enslaved people played on plantations in Broward County, FL and to understand how this history has shaped our present. We must remember that enslaved people were not just victims but also active participants in their own liberation.
This is an important part of our history that should not be forgotten.
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