Photo credit: Fernando Medina, Orlando Magic
On Wednesday, July 15, the Wells’ Built Museum of African-American History unveiled an exhibit on the Orlando Magic, featuring historic photos, jerseys and other items of interest from the franchise.
On hand for the unveiling were, from left, Wells’ Built Museum Executive Director Derrick Gatlin, Orlando Magic Community Ambassador Nick Anderson, Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins and Florida State Representative Geraldine Thompson.
About Wells ‘Built Museum
Dr. William M. Wells was a prominent African-American physician in Orlando during the first half of the 20th century. He created the South Street Casino to host touring black bands and, since Orlando was rigorously segregated, he opened the Wells’Built Hotel next door to house the musicians.
Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Ivory Joe Hunter and many other musical greats played the casino and stayed at the hotel over the years.
The casino is gone now, but the hotel remains. It has been converted into a museum housing memorabilia of Orlando’s African-American community and displays on the Civil Rights movement in Orlando, along with some African art on loan from local collectors.
Dr. Wells’ home has been moved to the site of the casino; it is being restored and will be open to the public.
Magic Communications contact: Trish Wingerson, 
(407) 916-2635
or [email protected]
