Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007) and Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), the parents of Patricia Ann Black (1956- ). This photograph was taken when Patricia drove down from New York to Sanford, Florida, to visit her parents around 1997, when her father was 89. Pilgrim and Lula were married for 67 years at the time the photograph was taken. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age eleven in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18n years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Original 8 x 10 inch color photograph: Private Collection of Patricia Black.
Funeral Services for the Late Mrs. Leatha Walker
Funeral Services program for Leatha Walker (1889-1976), the sister of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and the aunt of Patricia Ann Black (1956- ). The services were held on March 6, 1976, at the Mt. Moriah Primity Baptist Church, located at 1101 South Locust Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Reverend J. S. Snelling presided over the service. Leatha Black was born on August 17, 1889, in Sanford to Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934). She had four brothers and two sisters: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. As a child, she attended Seminole County Public Schools and was a member of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. As an adult, she joined the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend E. Bullard. Leatha married Reverend Robert Bradley and had one child with him, Reverend Israel Bradley Black (ca.1913-ca.2007). Several years later, Leatha married Reverend A. W. Walker and had four children with him: Joell Walker, Carrie Walker Oliver, Clementine Walker Barnes, and Harry Walker. Leatha was also a member of Rebecca Chapter 83 of the Order of the Eastern Star, a Freemason fraternal organization for both men and women. On February 26, 1976, Leatha Walker passed away at the Seminole Memorial Hospital, located at the corner of East First Street and Mellonville Avenue in Sanford. Her funeral services included speeches and performances by the Gospel Choir of the Hickory Avenue Church of God, Reverend P. Sanders, Reverend W. Brown, the Mt. Moriah choir, Deacon R. Zanders, Mother R. Wilson, Fernandina Beach, Sister Flossie Zanders, Mrs. Clyde Walker, and Reverend J.S. Snelling. Her remains were cared for by the Sanders Funeral Home and she was buried in the Light Foot Cemetery.
Original program, 1976: Mt. Moriah Primity Baptist Church, Sanford, Florida: Private Collection of Patricia Black.
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Sanford, Florida
Seminole Memorial Hospital, Sanford, Florida
Eulogistical Services For the Late Mother Margaret Jones
Eulogistical Services program for Mother Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), the sister of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and the aunt of Patricia Ann Black (1956- ). The services were held on February 23, 1980, at the Hickory Avenue Church of God, located at 503 Hickory Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Reverend Percell Sanders presided over the service. Margaret Black was born on June 23, 1893, in Sanford to Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934). She had four brothers and two sisters: Pilgrim Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. Margaret married James Jones and had five children: Reverend Charles Black, James W. Jones, Pauline Jones Parrish, Ella Jones Randall, and Christine Jones Childs. Margaret joined the Hickory Avenue Church of God in 1952 and served as a member of the Mothers' Board and Ladies Auxiliary. On February 18, 1980, Jones passed away in Sanford. Her funeral services included speeches and performances by the Gospel Choir of the Hickory Avenue Church of God, Bishop Leon Devaux, Bishop Roosevelt Hestle, Mother Odell Turner, Aletha Hardy, Deacon Tommie Hayes, Sister Dorothy Miller, Sister Fannie Bookman, the Angelic Trio, Bob Brown and his staff, and Reverend Percell Sanders.
Original program, 1980: Hickory Avenue Church of God, Sanford, Florida: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Hickory Avenue Church of God, Sanford, Florida
Envelope addressed to Harry Black (d. 1911), although the letter was likely for his son, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), as Harry had passed away years before 1932. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age eleven in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18n years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Original envelope from Roswell Motor Company to Harry Black: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Employment Secruity Farm Labor Contractor Certificate of Registration No. 4-05-5631-71-R
Farm labor contractor certificate for Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) issued by William N. Norwood, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Employment Security on March 9, 1971. The certificate authorized Pilgrim Black for migrant labor. At the time that the certificate was issue, Pilgrim resided at 1101 East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. His date of birth was listed as April 2, 1907, but he was actually born in 1905. The certificate also identified Pilgrim as a 5'9" person weighing 155 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age eleven in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18n years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Employment Security
Original certificate by U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Employment Security, 1971: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Letter from A. Worley Brown to Pilgrim Black (May 21, 1962)
Letter of correspondence from A. Worley Brown, chairman of the Florida Industrial Commission, to Pilgrim Black written on May 21, 1962. In the letter, Brown informs Black that he has been scheduled for summer agricultural labor outside of Florida, as approved by the Florida State Employment Service. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age eleven in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18n years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Original letter from A. Worley Brown to Pilgrim Black, May 21, 1962: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Patricia Ann Black (1956- ) in Rochester, New York, a couple of months after she gave birth to her son William Bigham III (1982- ) in 1982 with her third husband William Bigham Jr. (1952- ). Patricia Ann Black was the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original 5 x 7 inch color photograph: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Baby's Record of Birth for Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt
Certificate for the birth of Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ), the daughter of Patricia Ann Black (1956- ) and her first husband Clint Holt (1955-). Charmion was delivered by Dr. Robert Smith on January 5, 1974, at Seminole Memorial Hospital in Sanford, Florida, which was located at the corner of East First Street and Mellonville Avenue. Her mother, Patricia, was 18 years old at the time that Charmion was born. At present, Holt is employed at the Miller Orlando Ale House, located at 50 Towne Center Circle in Sanford, Florida. She also owns a catering business called Charm's Catering.
Original birth certificate, 1974: Seminole Memorial Hospital, Sanford, Florida: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Seminole Memorial Hospital , Sanford, Florida
Plat of survey for Pilgrim Black (1905-2002). This document certifies that V. K. Smith, a land surveyor for A. C. Doudney Surveyors, Inc., completed the location survey of Pilgrim Black's property on the corner of East Tenth Street and South Bay Avenue. The map surveys one of the homes built and owned by Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) in the 1800s, who was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac Benjamin and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Louis Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Maggie and her husband Harry Black (d. 1911) were the parents of parents of Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. They were also the grandparents of David Harry Black (1929-2012), Vivian Louise Black (1940- ), Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ), Charles Samuel Black (1945- ), Pilgrim Black Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ). The Black family migrated from South Carolina during the 19th century. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Harry and Maggie had their wood house built in the 1880s or 1890s at the corner of East 25th Street and South Sanford Avenue. Their house served as a meeting place for many of the elite members of the African-American community in Sanford. At one point, a business had asked to purchase the six acres of land that the Black family owned. Maggie agreed to sell the land, under the condition that the lumber could be reused to build houses on East Tenth Street. Maggie built a large home for herself and her children and several three-room houses for rental. She later gave the houses to Pilgrim and two of her grandsons, who made several additions to convert them into homes for their families. Pilgrim was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and his wife, Lula Haynes Black (1917-2007), were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim had to quit school at age11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County in Upstate New York to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York instead. Don Holdridge noticed Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to 30 workers at once, which he accepted. Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years.
Original plat of survey by V. K. Smith, January 7, 1966: A. C. Doudney Surveyors, Inc., Sanford, Florida, 1966: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Harry Black (d. 1911) and his wife, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934) in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie were the parents of Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. They were also the grandparents of David Harry Black (1929-2012), Vivian Louise Black (1940-), Lula Yvonne Black (1942-), Charles Samuel Black (1945-), Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-). The Black family migrated from South Carolina to Sanford, Florida, during the 19th century. Maggie Benjamin Black was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin. Harry and Maggie had their wood house built in the 1880s or 1890s at the corner of East 25h Street and South Sanford Avenue. Their house served as a meeting place for many of the elite members of the African-American community in Sanford. At one point, a business had asked to purchase the six acres of land that the Black family owned. Maggie agreed to sell the land under the condition that the lumber could be reused to build houses on East Tenth Street. Maggie built a large home for herself and her children and several three-room houses for rental. She later gave the houses to Pilgrim and two of her grandsons, who made several additions to convert them into homes for their families. This photograph is one of only three artifacts that Pilgrim Black owned of his parents.
Original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Chase & Company Invoice (April 19, 1962)
Invoice from Chase & Company paying $86.66 to Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), the father of Patricia Black, for the use of his vehicles for hauling products or equipment for the week ending April 19, 1962. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age eleven in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18n years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Original invoice by Chase & Company, April 19, 1962: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black
Invoice from Chase & Company paying $153.55 to Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), the father of Patricia Black, for the use of his vehicles for hauling products or equipment for the week ending June 12, 1962. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age eleven in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18n years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Original invoice by Chase & Company, June 12, 1962: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Vivian Louise Black (1940- ), the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Vivian is also the oldest sister of Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ); and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ); as well as the half-sister of David Harry Black (1929-2012). Vivian graduated from Crooms High School around 1958. She married Benjamin Moore Hawkins in the 1960s and moved to Rochester, New York. The couple had two children together: Benjamin Moore, Jr. (1960-) and Fejetta Michelle Hawkins (1972-). Vivian worked for several years in a factory until she suffered a stroke at age 35, when the left side of her body became completely paralyzed. She moved back to Sanford, Florida, after her stroke.
Crooms High School
Original black and white photograph: Crooms High School, Sanford, Florida: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Crooms High School, Goldsboro, Sanford, Florida
Lula Yvonne Black (1942-), the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Yvonne is also the sister of Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-), Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956-); as well as the half-sister of David Harry Black (1929-2012). Yvonne graduated from Crooms High School around 1960. After high school, she attended college briefly, married Willie Lee Hooks, and moved to Rochester, New York. Lula and her husband had four children together: twins Willie Lee Hooks, Jr. and Wilbur Lee Hooks; Ronald Lee Hooks; and Lavonia Kaye Hooks. Like her sister, Vivian, Yvonne also worked in a factory for many years.
Vivian Louise Black (1940-), the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Vivian is also the oldest sister of Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ); as well as the half-sister of David Harry Black (1929-2012). Vivian graduated from Crooms High School around 1958. She married Benjamin Moore Hawkins in the 1960s and moved to Rochester, New York. The couple had two children together: Benjamin Moore, Jr. (1960-) and Fejetta Michelle Hawkins (1972-). Vivian worked for several years in a factory until she suffered a stroke at age 35, when the left side of her body became completely paralyzed. She moved back to Sanford, Florida, after her stroke.
Fourteen year-old Lula Yvonne Black (1942-), the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Yvonne is also the sister of Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-), Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956-); as well as the half-sister of David Harry Black (1929-2012). Yvonne graduated from Crooms High School around 1960. After high school, she attended college briefly, married Willie Lee Hooks, and moved to Rochester, New York. Lula and her husband had four children together: twins Willie Lee Hooks, Jr. and Wilbur Lee Hooks; Ronald Lee Hooks; and Lavonia Kaye Hooks. Like her sister, Vivian, Yvonne also worked in a factory for many years.
One of the daughters of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. The daughter pictured is most likely Vivian Louise Black (1940- ). Vivian is also the oldest sister of Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ); as well as the half-sister of David Harry Black (1929-2012). Vivian graduated from Crooms High School around 1958. She married Benjamin Moore Hawkins in the 1960s and moved to Rochester, New York. The couple had two children together: Benjamin Moore, Jr. (1960-) and Fejetta Michelle Hawkins (1972-). Vivian worked for several years in a factory until she suffered a stroke at age 35, when the left side of her body became completely paralyzed. She moved back to Sanford, Florida, after her stroke.
Six-month old David Harry Black (1929-2012), who was the son of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his first wife Mae Henry Gilmore. Gilmore also had a second child named Bessie Mae Black that passed away around six months old. David Harry Black played baseball throughout high school and was drafted into the military during the Korean War on January 9, 1951, when he was 22 years old. After two years of military service, he received a discharge on February 2, 1953. Black went on to play baseball in the Negro Baseball League at age 24. He played for the Orlando Sentinels, a white baseball team, in 1954. While playing baseball, David was known by several nicknames that he acquired as a youth, including "Allstar" and "Kid Blister." At age 29, David became a long-distance truck driver, a profession he continued for 58 years. He retired several times, but returned to the job due to his love of the work. Black finally retired permanently at age 77, when his employer would no longer insure him. He was later diagnosed with cancer and was cared for by his half-sister, Patricia Ann Black (1956-). David passed away in December of 2012.
Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), the father of Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), standing in front of his house at the corner of East Twenty-Fifth Street and South Sanford Avenue in Sanford, and wearing his first pair of long pants sometime between age 12 and age 16. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age eleven in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18n years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Eight year-old Patricia Ann Black (1956- ) while attending Hopper Elementary School, located on South Bay Avenue in Georgetown in Sanford, Florida. Patricia Ann Black was the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Hopper Elementary School, Georgetown, Sanford, Florida
Fourteen year-old Patricia Ann Black (1956- ) while attending North Rose-Wolcott High School, located at 11631 Salter-Colvin Road in Wolcott, New York. Black was the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original color photograph: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
North Rose-Wolcott High School, Wolcott, New York
The one-story home built by Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934) that became the home of her son, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002). An old-fashioned washing machine is pictured next to the back porch, which required the use of a metal tub and a washboard. Later additions have been added to the porch. Also pictured on the left side of the photograph is a Ford Falcon station wagon owned by Pilgrim, a fan of Ford cars. As of 2015, this house is owned by Pilgrim's five children. His daughter, Patricia Ann Black (1956-) is residing in and restoring the home. Maggie and her husband Harry Black (d. 1911) were the parents of Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. They were also the grandparents of David Harry Black (1929-2012); Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ); and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ). The Black family migrated from South Carolina during the 19th century. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie Benjamin was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin. Harry and Maggie had their wood house built in the 1880s or 1890s at the corner of East 25th Street and South Sanford Avenue. Their house served as a meeting place for many of the elite members of the African-American community in Sanford. At one point, a business had asked to purchase the six acres of land that the Black family owned. Maggie agreed to sell the land under the condition that the lumber be reused to build houses on East Tenth Street. Maggie built a two-story home for herself and her children and several three-room houses to rent out. She later gave the houses to Pilgrim and two of her grandsons, Israel Black and Charles Black, who made several additions to convert them into seven- and eight-room houses.
Eight year-old Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) in her hometown of Madison, Florida. Haynes married Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) in 1937, when she was 15 years old, and had several children, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947); and Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Haynes and her husband were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year.
Mattie Hayes Haynes, the mother of Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007) and the grandmother of Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Haynes was part Native American and is pictured reading a Bible.
The house of Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), the sister of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and the aunt of Patricia Ann Black (1956-). The house was located at the corner of East Ninth Street and South Bay Avenue in Sanford, Florida, until it burned down in 2010. The house was being rented to a couple and burned down as a result of arson.
Pilgrim Black with Grandson William Bigham III
Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) with his grandson, William Bigham III (1982- ), who is also the son of Patricia Ann Black (1956- ) and her third husband William Bigham, Jr. (1952- ). This photograph was taken around 1983 or 1984 and shows Pilgrim tickling William on the porch of one of the homes built and owned by Black's mother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), in the 1800s. The Black family migrated from South Carolina during the 19th century. Maggie and her husband, Harry Black (d. 1911), had their wood house built in the 1880s or 1890s at the corner of East 25th Street and South Sanford Avenue. Their house served as a meeting place for many of the elite members of the African-American community in Sanford. At one point, a business had asked to purchase the six acres of land that the Black family owned. Maggie agreed to sell the land under the condition that the lumber could be reused to build houses on East Tenth Street. Maggie built a large home for herself and her children and several three-room houses for rental. She later gave the houses to Pilgrim and two of her grandsons, who made several additions to convert them into homes for their families. This particular house, located at the corner of East Tenth Street and South Bay Avenue, was occupied by Pilgrim and his family. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and his wife, Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim's parents, Harry and Maggiem had several other children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Patricia Black with Nephew Benjamin Hawkins, Jr.
Six year old Patricia Ann Black (1956- ) with her two year old nephew, Benjamin Hawkins, Jr. (1960-), in 1962. The two children are pictured in the front yard of the Black family home located at the corner of East Tenth Street and South Bay Avenue in Georgetown in Sanford, Florida. Hawkins is the son of Patricia's oldest sister, Vivian Louise Black (1940- ). As an adult, Hawkins moved to Rochester, New York. Patricia Ann Black was the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original black and white photograph, 1962: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Lula Mae Haynes Black and Pilgrim Black in New York
Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007) and Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) in the kitchen of the "big house" of the migrant worker camp in Wayne County, New York. This is the kitchen where Lula operated her restaurant, despite the lack of running water. In this photograph, Pilgrim is drinking morning coffee before going to work as a migrant crew leader. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940- ); Lula Yvonne Black (1942- ); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca.1947- ), and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ).
Patricia Ann Black and Michael Vallot with Santa Claus
Six year old Patricia Ann Black (1956- ) and four year old Michael Vallot with Santa Claus at the Sibley's department store, located at 228 East Main Street in Rochester, New York, in 1962. Vallot is also a relative of Patricia's brother-in-law, Willie Lee Hooks, who is married to her sister Lula Yvonne Black (1942-). Patricia Ann Black was the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Sibley, Lindsay & Curr Company, Rochester, New York
Birth Certificate for Vivian Louise Black
Certificate of birth for Vivian Louise Black (1940-), the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. According to this document, Vivin was born at the Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital in Sanford, Florida. She was delivered by Dr. George H. Starke on October 11, 1940. Vivian is also the oldest sister of Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956- ); as well as the half-sister of David Harry Black (1929-2012). Vivian graduated from Crooms High School around 1958. She married Benjamin Moore Hawkins in the 1960s and moved to Rochester, New York. The couple had two children together: Benjamin Moore, Jr. (1960-) and Fejetta Michelle Hawkins (1972-). Vivian worked for several years in a factory until she suffered a stroke at age 35, when the left side of her body became completely paralyzed. She moved back to Sanford, Florida, after her stroke.
Original birth certificate, 1940: Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital, Sanford, Florida: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Former Location of Harry Black's Grocery Store, 2012
The former lot of a grocery store, located at 206 South Sanford Avenue owned by Harry Black (d. 1911), the grandfather of Patricia Ann Black, in 2012. Harry and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934) were the parents of Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. They were also the grandparents of David Harry Black (1929-2012), Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956-). The Black family migrated from South Carolina during the 19th century. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter.
Original color photograph by Patricia Ann Black, 2012: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Harry Black's Grocery Store, Sanford, Florida
Migrant Experience Paper by William Arthur Bigham III
An academic paper written by William Arthur Bigham III (1982-) for a course at the State University of New York at Brockport on food and culture on December 19, 2011. Topics discussed in the paper include Bigham's interview with his mother, Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), about her experiences as the child of migrant workers; how migrant workers lived; the difference between education and race relations in the North and in the South; the logistics of working in the fields; and how the Federal government changed migrant work. William Bigham III was born in Rochester and raised in Wayne County, New York. He began teaching microbiology and anatomy at the SUNY Brockport in 2013. He is the son of Patricia Black, the grandson of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), and the great grandson of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford, Florida, from South Carolina in the 1800s. Bigham's grandparents, Pilgrim and Lula, were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year.
Dr. George H. Starke (ca. 1899-ca. 1979), a friend of the Black Family, displaying the fish he caught and brought back to his home on Locust Avenue in Sanford (now part of Winter Springs) 1960. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford, Florida, and delivered many of the African-American children born in Sanford before the 1960s. He delivered all of the Black children except for Patricia Ann Black (1956-): David Harry Black (1929-2012), Vivian Louise Black (1940-), Lula Yvonne Black (1942-), Charles Samuel Black (1945-), and Pilgrim Black Jr. (ca. 1947- ). Dr. Starke opened his practice in 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Original black and white photograph, April 1960: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Annual Worker Plan Schedule for Pilgrim Black
A sheath for Annual Worker Plan Schedule issued by the Farm Placement Service of the U.S. Employment Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. This sheath was owned by Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), who was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and his wife, Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Farm Placement Service, United States Employment Service, United States Department of Labor
Original red sheath: Farm Placement Service, United States Employment Service, United States Department of Labor: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
David Harry Black (1929-2012) in military uniform during the Korean War (1950-1953). Black was the son of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his first wife Mae Henry Gilmore, who also had a second child named Bessie Mae Black that passed away around 6 months old. The photograph was given to Black's maternal grandparents. Black played baseball throughout high school and was drafted into the military during the Korean War on January 9, 1951, when he was 22. After two years of military service and receiving a discharge on February 2, 1953, he went on to play baseball in the Negro Baseball League at age 24. He also played for the Orlando Sentinels, a white baseball team, in 1954. While playing baseball, Black was known by several nicknames that he acquired as a youth, including "Allstar" and "Kid Blister." At age 29, Black became a long-distance truck driver, a profession he continued for58 years. He retired several times, but returned to the job due to his love of the work. Black finally retired permanently at age 77, when his employer would no longer insure him. He was later diagnosed with cancer and was cared for by his half-sister, Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Black passed away in December of 2012.
Photocopy of original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Four Orlando Sentinel baseball players in the 1950s. Photographed from left to right is Jesus Jenks, Allen Perisio, Charley "Big Dike" Wilson, and David Harry Black. The two men on the left are from Cuba, while the two men on the left are from Sanford, Florida. Black (1929-2012) was the son of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his first wife Mae Henry Gilmore, who also had a second child named Bessie Mae Black that passed away around 6 months old. Black played baseball throughout high school and was drafted into the military during the Korean War on January 9, 1951, when he was 22. After two years of military service and receiving a discharge on February 2, 1953, he went on to play baseball in the Negro Baseball League at age 24. He also played for the Orlando Sentinels, a white baseball team, in 1954. While playing baseball, Black was known by several nicknames that he acquired as a youth, including "Allstar" and "Kid Blister." At age 29, Black became a long-distance truck driver, a profession he continued for58 years. He retired several times, but returned to the job due to his love of the work. Black finally retired permanently at age 77, when his employer would no longer insure him. He was later diagnosed with cancer and was cared for by his half-sister, Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Black passed away in December of 2012.
Tax Facts: Local Property Tax Expenditures, 1974-1975
A pamphlet showing the local property tax expenditures for Seminole County, Florida, during the 1974-1975 fiscal year. Based on Seminole County budgets from that year, the county spent 63.8% of its local property tax on the District School Board, 18.6% on the General Fund, 14.4% on the Fine & Forfeiture Fund, 1.3% on the Road & Bridge Fun, 1.1% on the Interest & Sinking Fund, 0.3% on the hospital, and 0.5% on the Port Authority.
Original pamphlet: "Tax Facts: Local Property Tax Expenditures 1974 - 75." Seminole County Florida Government, Seminole County, FL: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Seminole County Florida Government
The children of Patricia Ann Black (1956-): Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974-), William Arthur Bigham III (1982-), Brandon Oliver Black (1990-), and Tempestt Teonte Black (1992-). Charmion, who is also the daughter of Clint Holt (1955-), is employed at the Millers Orlando Ale House, located at 50 Towne Center Circle in Sanford, Florida, as of 2013. She also founded a catering business called Charm's Catering. The latter three children are from Patricia's marriage to William Bigham, Jr. (1952-). William III was born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Wayne County. He began teaching microbiology and anatomy at State University of New York in Brockport in 2013. Both Brandon and Tempestt graduated from North Rose Wolcott High School in Wolcott, New York. At age 19, Brandon attended Shear Ego, a barber school in Rochester. He also founded a barber shop called B. Black's Barber Shop, located on Route 414 in North Rose. As of 2013, Tempestt was attending Elmira College in Elmira, where she was studying nursing. She also joined the U.S. Army and is currently serving, as of 2013.
Original color photograph by Carolyn Bigham, November 2011: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Migrant Worker "Big House" in Wayne County, New York
The "big house" of the migrant worker camp, located in Wayne County, New York, that Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his wife, Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), lived in. The house originally had a front porch and was painted a different color. Lula operated her restaurant out of the kitchen in the big house, despite the lack of running water. Pilgrim was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Original color photograph by Patricia Ann Black: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Letter from Robert D. Moran to Pilgrim Black
A letter of correspondence from Robert D. Moran, administrator of the Workplace Standards Administration in the United States Department of Labor, to Pilgrim Black. In the letter, Moran informs Black that the minimum wage for nonfarm employees was to be raised from $1.45/ per hour to $1.60 per hour effective February 1, 1971 and that the minimum wage for farm workers would remain unchanged at $1.30 per hour. Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Original letter from Robert D. Moran to Pilgrim Black: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Tempestt Teonte Black (1992-) at her graduation from U.S. Army training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, on August 15, 2013. The first photograph shows Black with her brother, Brandon Oliver Black (1990-), and the second photograph shows her with her mother, Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Both siblings graduated from North Rose Wolcott High School in Wolcott, New York. Black is in her junior year of college at Elmira College in Elmira, New York, where she is studying nursing. She also joined the United States Army and is presently serving as of 2013.
Original color digital images By William Bigham, Jr., August 15, 2013: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Life's Lessons Become Wayne Woman's Message: Being Inclusive Benefits Everyone
A newspaper article about Patricia Ann Black's (1956- ) experience as the child of migrant workers Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original newspaper article: Miller, Jim. "Life's Lessons Become Wayne Woman's Message: Being Inclusive Benefits Everyone." The Finger Lake Times, February 15, 2006: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
The Finger Lake Times
Memoirs of Life in a WC Migrant Farm Camp
A newspaper article about Patricia Ann Black's (1956-) experience as the child of migrant workers Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. as the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974-). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952-), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982-), Brandon Oliver Black (1990-), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992-). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original newspaper article: Rogers, Pam. "Memoirs of Life in a WC Migrant Farm Camp." The Sun and Record, February 23, 2006: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
A deed for the property owned by Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his wife, Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007). The property is one of the homes built and owned by Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934) in the 1800s. Maggie and her husband Harry Black (d. 1911) were the parents of parents of Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Original property deed, June 21, 1946: Florida Internal Improvement Fund: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Markers
The ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), who can be seen wearing red in the photograph, was given special thanks for Heritage Marker # 3, which featured her father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002). Jeff Triplett, the Mayor of Sanford, can be seen standing to the right of the podium. The ceremony was followed by a presentation of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, locate at 230 East First Street. Pathways to History is a program created by Christine Dalton, Historic Preservation Office for the City of Sanford. The programs consists of eight themed tours showcasing the history and development of Sanford. The event also included a guided tour of Sanford Avenue, which had been the subject of a $3 million streetscaping project, and a reception at the Welcome Center, hosted by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency. The Georgetown Pathways to History Project was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
Original color digital image by Connie L. Lester, November 20, 2014.
Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Markers
Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett addressing the audience at a ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. The ceremony was followed by a presentation of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, locate at 230 East First Street. Pathways to History is a program created by Christine Dalton, Historic Preservation Office for the City of Sanford. The programs consists of eight themed tours showcasing the history and development of Sanford. The event also included a guided tour of Sanford Avenue, which had been the subject of a $3 million streetscaping project, and a reception at the Welcome Center, hosted by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency. The Georgetown Pathways to History Project was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
Special Thanks to Patricia Ann Black at the Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Marker Ceremony
Special thanks being given to Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), who can be seen wearing red in the photographs, at a ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett is seen standing in the center of the photographs. Black's father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), was featured on the Heritage Marker #3. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black.
Original color digital images by Connie L. Lester, November 20, 2014.
Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee at the Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Marker Ceremony
The Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee a the ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Pictured in the photographs, from left to right, are Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright, Bette Robinson, Ollie Williams, Christine Dalton, Patricia Ann Black, and Christine Kinlaw-Best. Special thanks for Heritage Marker #3 was given to Patricia Black (1956- ). Her father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), was featured on the marker. Pilgrim was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Marker Ceremony Invitation
An invitation to a ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), who can be seen wearing red in the photograph, was given special thanks for Heritage Marker # 3, which featured her father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002). Jeff Triplett, the Mayor of Sanford, can be seen standing to the right of the podium. The ceremony was followed by a presentation of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, locate at 230 East First Street. Pathways to History is a program created by Christine Dalton, Historic Preservation Office for the City of Sanford. The programs consists of eight themed tours showcasing the history and development of Sanford. The event also included a guided tour of Sanford Avenue, which had been the subject of a $3 million streetscaping project, and a reception at the Welcome Center, hosted by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency. The Georgetown Pathways to History Project was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
Original 2-page invitation by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency, 2014.
Department of Recreation, City of Sanford
Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Sanford, Florida
Georgetown Pathways to History Project Heritage Marker #3
Heritage Marker #3 of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project, which was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation. Special thanks for Heritage Marker #3 was given to Patricia Ann Black (1956-), the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007). Her father, Pilgrim, was featured on the marker. Pilgrim was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black.
Original color marker by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee, 2014: Department of Recreation, City of Sanford, Sanford, Florida.
Patricia Ann Black with the Georgetown Pathways to History Project Heritage Marker #3
Patricia Ann Black next to the Heritage Marker #3 of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project, which was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation. Black was the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original color digital images by Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt, November 20, 2014.
Memoirs of Life in a Wayne County Migrant Farm Camp
A newspaper article by Patricia Ann Black and published in The Times of Wayne County on February 1, 2015. The article is about Black's life growing up on a migrant farm camp in Wayne County, New York. Black was the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974-). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952-), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982-), Brandon Oliver Black (1990-), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992-). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original newspaper article by Patricia Ann Black: The Times of Wayne County, February 1, 2015, page F5.
The Times of Wayne County