Lift Orlando

02/18/2026

The joy of reading is still going strong at Read In! We love sharing our love for books and we especially love when members of our community join in on the fun.

Today, Pastor Bruce Kinchens stopped by Orange Center Elementary to read with our amazing 3rd graders, and it was such a special moment of connection, storytelling, and inspiration. 💛

Thank you for showing up for our students and helping keep the love of learning alive!

02/18/2026

🎥 Why the Right Artist Matters

When it came time to bring the Washington Shores Savings & Loan mural to life, Apryl Armstrong knew this project required more than technical skill. It required heart, history, and deep community understanding.

As lead contractor and owner of A. Renee Painting Specialist, Apryl didn’t just oversee the project, she hired the artist, selected the coordinator, and helped create the initial renderings that shaped the vision from the start.

Her choice: Ron Kelly.

A Central Florida art legend, Ron has created multiple public works for the City of Orlando and exhibited throughout the region. His work consistently honors heritage, identity, and the African American experience. He is also the son of one of Orlando’s first Black police officers, a legacy that deeply informs his connection to this community.

For Apryl, that lived history mattered.

This mural stands at 715 S. Goldwyn Street , once home to Washington Shores Savings & Loan and reflects the same intentionality, pride, and resilience that built the institution it honors.

Learn more at harmony-orlando.com

32805

02/17/2026

The Harmony Legacy Mural installment at Axiom Bank honors Washington Shores Savings & Loan.

Established in 1953, Washington Shores Savings & Loan was the first bank in Florida created to serve African American residents, providing access to home mortgages and economic opportunity during segregation.

Founded by seven visionary leaders, it became a beacon of hope, dignity, and empowerment.

By helping families purchase homes, the bank laid the foundation for:
🏠 stability
🌱 community growth
✨ intergenerational wealth

Today, the site stands as a lasting symbol of Black entrepreneurship and resilience in Orlando. Learn more at harmony-orlando.com

02/17/2026

Today we’re highlighting another powerful piece in The Harmony Initiative’s Legacy Murals series, created by two incredible artists:

Jordan “JJ the Artist” Jones
An Orlando-based fine artist and graphic designer known for striking realism and cultural versatility. From athletes and musicians to his signature Culture Cards collection, JJ’s work celebrates creativity across canvas, murals, and digital design.
Follow:

Angelo Vasquez
A self-taught surreal portrait artist whose graphite work blends imagination and emotion to inspire deeper thought and perspective. Drawing has always been his first love and his art invites us to see beyond the ordinary. Follow:

Stay tuned as we reveal the mural they brought to life in the heart of Washington Shores.

02/16/2026

The digital mural installment at Camping World Stadium recognizes leaders whose courage and service shaped our city:

⚖️ Paul Perkins — a trailblazing civil rights attorney and Orlando’s first Black millionaire

🏛️ Mable Butler — the first African American Orange County Commissioner and champion for equity

📚 Ronald Rogers & Rufus C. Brooks — devoted community leaders in education, mentorship, and advocacy

Their legacies remain woven into the heart of 32805, now celebrated through art for generations to come.

Join us Feb. 19 (5–8pm) with Congressman Maxwell Frost’s office for the Black Luminaries Black History Celebration, featuring a mural viewing of this wonderful installment and others in the collection as part of the evening. Register: repfrost.us/BHM

02/16/2026

🎨 Choice Legacy Murals Spotlight: Meet the Artist

This week, we’re featuring murals from The Harmony Initiative’s Choice Legacy Murals, a series honoring the leaders and stories that shaped Orlando’s historic 32805 community.

First up: Reyna Noriega ✨ A visual artist, designer, and author whose vibrant work centers women of color and celebrates healing, hope, and joy.

Her art has been featured by clients like Apple, American Express, and Warby Parker, and even on the covers of The New Yorker.

Stay tuned today as we reveal her stunning digital mural debuting at Camping World Stadium.

02/15/2026

We had the BEST time!! Lifting our neighbors is loving our neighbors. And we loved every minute of it Orange Center Elementary! 🎶🕺✨️

Thank you to the Lift Orlando team for making our silent disco party so much fun! Students danced the day away with a special Valentine’s Day silent disco party!

02/14/2026

We spent our Valentine’s Day with our first love, the kids!! 💛📚

There’s nothing sweeter than sparking a love of reading and watching young minds light up through stories, imagination, and discovery. AdventHealth West Lakes Early Learning Center I Love Reading celebration was filled with smiles, laughter, and so many page-turning moments.

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special for our students and families!

Because when we lift literacy, we lift futures. 💛📚

02/13/2026

Join us for a powerful and historic evening as we celebrate excellence in Central Florida in a Black History Month Luminary Celebration. ✨

Next Thursday 2/29, Lift Orlando and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost will honor nine Black leaders whose names will be formally entered into the Congressional Record, preserving their legacy for generations to come.

This special ceremony will also feature the Harmony Initiative Legacy Murals, resident-driven public art celebrating the history, creativity, and resilience of the 32805 community.

🗓 February 19, 2026 | 5–8 PM
📍 Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center
🔗 RSVP Required: REPFROST.US/BHM

Come be part of this meaningful tribute as we uplift the leaders, stories, and voices that continue to shape our community.

02/12/2026

❤️📚 I LOVE READING Neighborhood Book Bash is THIS Saturday! 📚❤️

Join us on February 14 from 10 AM – 12 PM at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center (710 S. Tampa Avenue) for a morning filled with literacy, laughter, and lots of love for reading!

✨ Free books for kids
🎶 DJ music + storytime vibes
🎭 Character meet-and-greet
🎨 Face painting + inflatable mazes
🍕 Free pizza, treats & drinks
🎟 Raffle prizes

Come celebrate literacy with us and make reading part of your family’s Valentine’s weekend fun!

Register today using the QR code on the flyer.

FamilyFun LiteracyForAll