Women's History & Cultural Center

06/07/2026

🇺🇸✨ Join us for the opening ceremony of She Proudly Served: Women in the Military, the newest exhibit at the Women’s History & Cultural Center on June 17, 2026, 1 - 3 p.m. Please register below.

This special event honors the courage, dedication, and service of women who have shaped our nation’s military history. Guests will have the opportunity to meet four distinguished women inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame, enjoy light refreshments, and explore the exhibit during this meaningful celebration.

Running June 10 through September 30, the exhibit highlights the evolving roles of women in the military from the Revolutionary War through the Iraq War. Featuring both historical figures and local heroes, She Proudly Served recognizes the lasting impact women have made across all five military branches through leadership, perseverance, and service.

📍 Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 | 2nd Floor

🔗 Register to attend HERE:

Date: June 17, 2026 When: 1:00pm - 3:00pm Address: 341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

05/26/2026

Some women don’t just lead—they transform generations. Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole is one of them.

From serving as president of Spelman College and Bennett College to leading the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Dr. Cole has spent her life opening doors, challenging inequality, and inspiring people across the world. A National Humanities Medal recipient, author, educator, and advocate, her voice and leadership continue to shape the future.

Now, her extraordinary legacy is being honored in The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida Exhibit at the Women’s History & Cultural Center in Orlando. Standing as the ring leader among 55 remarkable women shaping Florida’s future, Dr. Cole represents the power of purpose-driven leadership and lasting impact.

This exhibit is more than history on display—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when women lead with courage, vision, and heart. Come experience it for yourself and witness the power of her presence.

Curated by Chenise Lytrelle Williams, founder of the African American Women's History Month Project, Inc., this exhibit invites reflection, inspiration, and recognition.

Now on view through May
Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

05/23/2026

💫 Where Stories, Smiles & Memories Come Together

Join us for a heartwarming and unforgettable Children’s Book Launch Event featuring The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise by author Homer L. Hartage! 💛

This special family experience is designed to inspire children, spark creativity, and celebrate the beautiful power of memories, love, and connection across generations.

🌟 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 🌟
📖 Interactive Story Time
🎨 Create Your Own Memory Box
👋 Meet the Author
🍪 Snacks & Smiles for Families
⭐ Scout Patches Available
📚 Books Available for Purchase

Perfect for children ages 5–12 and families looking to create meaningful moments together!

🗓 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803

Come laugh, create, connect, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 💫

Tag a parent, teacher, scout leader, or family who would LOVE this experience! 👇

05/21/2026

💛 What happens when girls are empowered to dream big? They change the world. 💛

Join us on June 10 for Going Gold — an inspiring exhibit celebrating young leaders who are turning passion into purpose and ideas into real community impact. ✨

From mental health advocacy to environmental change and expanding access to education, these powerful projects show what’s possible when girls are encouraged to lead, create, and believe in themselves.

This experience is for everyone — girls with big dreams, parents raising future leaders, educators, mentors, and anyone who believes in the power of the next generation. 🌟

Come be inspired, celebrate youth leadership, and imagine the difference one girl can make.

Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave,
2nd Floor
Orlando FL 32803

05/16/2026

🌟 “I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best.” 🌟

Zora Neale Hurston, a trailblazing novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist from Eatonville, Florida, transformed American literature and preserved Black cultural history. A leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance, she celebrated Black Southern life and women’s stories unapologetically. From Their Eyes Were Watching God to Mules and Men, Hurston’s fearless storytelling and scholarly brilliance continue to inspire generations.

As an honoree in The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida Exhibit—dedicated to Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole—she stands among 55 women shaping Florida’s future.

Curated by Chenise Lytrelle Williams, founder of the African American Women's History Month Project, Inc., this exhibit invites reflection, inspiration, and recognition.

Now on view through May
Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

✨ Visit the exhibit and celebrate her inspiring story.

05/15/2026

🌟 “Purpose guides the path to impact.” 🌟

Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq., a proud double Gator and Levin College of Law alum, has spent decades shaping Florida’s legal and policy landscape. From family law to lobbying at the State Capitol, she’s earned national recognition for integrity, effectiveness, and leadership. As a trusted advisor, advocate, and mentor, Ms. Jackson continues to inspire lawyers and community leaders alike.

As an honoree in The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida Exhibit—dedicated to Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole—she stands among 55 women shaping Florida’s future.

Curated by Chenise Lytrelle Williams, founder of the African American Women's History Month Project, Inc., this exhibit invites reflection, inspiration, and recognition.

Now on view through May
Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

✨ Visit the exhibit and celebrate her inspiring story.

05/14/2026

🌟 “True worth is measured by the impact you leave on others.” 🌟

Dr. Vivian L. Hobbs, PhD, has spent over six decades inspiring students, leading FAMU’s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge to eight national championships, and mentoring future filmmakers like Rob Hardy and Will Packer. A trailblazer in education and civic leadership, her legacy of excellence and service continues to empower generations.

As an honoree in The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida Exhibit—dedicated to Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole—she stands among 55 women shaping Florida’s future.

Curated by Chenise Lytrelle Williams, founder of the African American Women's History Month Project, Inc., this exhibit invites reflection, inspiration, and recognition.

Now on view through May
Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

✨ Visit the exhibit and celebrate her inspiring story.

05/13/2026

🌟 “Stories preserve our legacy.” 🌟

Vickie Oldham, MFA, is a journalist, cultural preservationist, and community leader whose work brings African American history to life. Her award-winning Newtown Alive project helped make Sarasota’s Newtown Florida’s largest African American historic district. Through media, scholarship, and advocacy, Oldham continues to amplify untold stories and celebrate Black history for generations to come.

As an honoree in The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida Exhibit—dedicated to Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole—she stands among 55 women shaping Florida’s future.

Curated by Chenise Lytrelle Williams, founder of the African American Women's History Month Project, Inc., this exhibit invites reflection, inspiration, and recognition.

Now on view through May
Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

✨ Visit the exhibit and celebrate her inspiring story.

05/12/2026

🌟 “Arts and education shape the future.” 🌟

Dr. Valencia E. Matthews, PhD, is a visionary educator, scholar, and arts advocate whose leadership at Florida A&M University has inspired generations. As Dean of the College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, she champions creativity, cultural discourse, and community engagement—empowering students and enriching society through the transformative power of the arts.

As an honoree in The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida Exhibit—dedicated to Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole—she stands among 55 women shaping Florida’s future.

Curated by Chenise Lytrelle Williams, founder of the African American Women's History Month Project, Inc., this exhibit invites reflection, inspiration, and recognition.

Now on view through May
Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

✨ Visit the exhibit and celebrate her inspiring story.

05/11/2026

🌟 “Lead with purpose, transform with vision.”

Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, EdD, is a trailblazer in HBCU leadership, inspiring generations through transformative campus work and visionary mentorship. From breaking records as Philander Smith College’s first woman president to doubling Bethune-Cookman University’s endowment, her legacy of service, scholarship, and empowerment endures.

As an honoree in The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida Exhibit—dedicated to Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole—she stands among 55 women shaping Florida’s future.

Curated by Chenise Lytrelle Williams, founder of the African American Women's History Month Project, Inc., this exhibit invites reflection, inspiration, and recognition.

Now on view through May
Women’s History & Cultural Center
341 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

✨ Visit the exhibit and celebrate her inspiring story.