Belmont-DeVilliers: Revitalizing a Cultural Mecca
Date Posted: Sep 18, 2015
PENSACOLA, Fla., September 18, 2015 – Most Americans don’t know that Pensacola is actually one of America’s first settlements, and even fewer know about the historic Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood of the city.
Here, you can find some of the area’s original houses built in the charming Masonry style and surrounded by classic Southern architecture. During the early 20th century, the DeVilliers neighborhood became a local hub for music, food and entertainment.
The DeVilliers Cultural Heritage Society celebrates the nearly forgotten cultural history of this major entertainment region. The neighborhood once boasted several clubs where some of America’s greatest entertainers — such as Louis Armstrong, James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and B.B. King — visited and performed throughout history.
After decades of thriving, the neighborhood soon experienced the negative effects of urbanization during the second half of the 20th century. However, the spirit of the community could never be destroyed. The new century has inspired revitalization and a resurgence of the old history and rich culture.
Join in the revitalization of this cultural mecca at the Back on the Blocks Festival, celebrating the art of rhythm and soul. Click here for more information.
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