The Winter Park Advocate - History

History

The Advocate was first published on May 31, 1889. It was one of only two black-owned newspapers in the state of Florida. It was also the only newspaper in Winter Park, and thus served both black and white readers. Henderson was the publisher, reporter, editor, salesman, and typesetter for the paper. On the first day of the Advocate’s publication, there was a large Emancipation Day celebration. For the celebration, the Orlando and Winter Park Railroad ran special trains and almost 800 people were in attendance for the event. The paper's offices were located in Hannibal Square, the heart of Winter Park's segregated black community. The Advocate sold for $1.25 for a year's subscription, and published for two years until Henderson moved to Orlando.