Known as one of the oldest African American communities in the state, Royal, Fla. was founded in 1865 by freed slaves who received land through the “40 Acres and a Mule” promise.
Today, residents and descendants are fighting to protect their community from development threats, particularly an extension of the Florida Turnpike that could devastate their homes and churches.
Beverly Steele is a lifelong resident and founder of Young Performing Artists Incorporated, a nonprofit spearheading the initiative to protect Royal…