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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Celebrating Charleston Park in Alva

Posted at 12:33 PM, Feb 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-13 15:16:14-05

ALVA, Fla. — Fox 4 is teaming up with the Lee County Black History Society to take a walk down memory lane.

Charles and Jeannie Riggins founded the African American community near Alva in 1926.

They purchased 44-acres, which were later split into 50-foot lots.

Over the next few decades, they were sold to African Americans for just $10.00.

Then in the sixties, the self-help housing program was established.

The community's early residents were laborers and seasonal workers.

The community is now thriving with more than 500 residents.