Ancestral Strength: The Shoulders We Stand On
Vol. 1: Obituaries, Graduations, Faith, and Awards
We are not self-made; we are community-made. Ancestral Strength is our dedicated space to honor those who have transitioned to the ancestors, celebrate the students who are grabbing the baton, and recognize the leaders keeping the faith.
In this edition, we honor a matriarch of the arts, celebrate a legal scholar at FAMU, and look ahead to the spiritual homecoming in Eatonville.
Rest in Power: Vivian Ayers Allen (1923-2025)
"The Brain of the Family"
We pause to honor the incredible life of Vivian Ayers Allen, who transitioned in August 2025 at the age of 102. While the world knows her famous daughters—Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen—we know her as the root of that genius.
Her Legacy: A Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet (for Spice of Dawns), a scholar, and a cultural activist who broke barriers in the segregated South and later in Mexico.
Her Lesson: She taught us that "creative" is not a career; it is a way of existence. She didn't just raise stars; she raised free thinkers.
Ancestral Note: As we move forward, we carry her belief that art is the highest form of education.
Excellence in the Academy: FAMU College of Law
The Florida A&M University College of Law in downtown Orlando continues to punch above its weight.
The Win: We are spotlighting Professor Areto Imoukhuede, who was selected for the prestigious Steven S. Goldberg Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Education Law.
The Work: His award-winning research, "The Walk Away from Racial Equality," holds the legal system accountable, examining how recent court decisions have drifted from the promise of Brown v. Board of Education.
Why It Matters: This isn't just an award; it's a signal that the next generation of civil rights defenders is being trained right here on Beggs Avenue.
Fuerza del Futuro: The Latino Tech Wave
While we honor the past, we must also recognize the innovación shaping our future. The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund (HHSF) of Metro Orlando is proving that the next generation of tech giants might just come from the 407.
The Scholars: We are highlighting Andrea "Andy" Silva, a UCF scholar and HHSF recipient. After fleeing political persecution in Venezuela, she is now a McNair Scholar conducting research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and human cognition. She proves that resilience is the ultimate software.
The Engineer: We also celebrate Anthonny Zabala Suarez, an Electrical Engineering major at UCF. A former honors student at Valencia College, he represents the technical precision and discipline that will build the infrastructure of tomorrow.
The Takeaway: These students remind us that "Ancestral Strength" isn't just about looking back; it's about carrying the torch forward into the digital age.
Faith & Heritage: The Pilgrimage to Eatonville
This week marks a spiritual return for the 407. The ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts kicks off its 2026 season (Jan 30 - Feb 1), and it is more than a festival—it is a revival.
The Service: Sunday, Feb 1st is the "Day of Reflection," featuring a sermon by Reverend Jerrold W. Smith of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.
The Vibe: In a world that gentrifies our history, Eatonville stands tall. Walking the grounds this weekend is an act of faith in itself—faith that the oldest Black municipality in America will not just survive, but thrive.
Future Leaders: The Tech Torchbearers
We are seeing a surge in recognition for our technologists.
The Grant: Black Orlando Tech (BOT) was recently awarded a community support grant to continue their work of increasing minority participation in the local tech ecosystem.
The Goal: With over 10,000 residents targeted for upskilling by 2025, they are ensuring that the "Silicon Valley of the South" looks like the people who actually live here.
Video Spotlight
We celebrate the achievements of Black professionals in technology who are paving the way for the future.
Black Tech Achievement Awards 2025: Celebrating Microsoft's Achievers
