About Wellsville

Wellsville is a fictitious town within the city of Orlando. Established in the early 1900’s during segregation, Wellsville was a hub for African-Americans. The town thrived from Black owned entertainment and financial and farming markets. Once segregation ended, those African-Americans who could afford to move out, fled, taking the power of the Black dollar with them. Today, Wellsville, represents many African-American cities across the country that once flourished. The members of these communities will remain a part of the past and the present, but due to gentrification, may not be part of the future.

About Eatonville

Waking Up White was filmed throughout Central Florida, mainly in the historic town of Eatonville. Established in 1887, Eatonville is the oldest incorporated African-American town in the the US.  Home to noted author, Zora Neale Hurston, the town is rich in culture and history. It was the perfect location to help mold the fictitious town of Wellsville; the setting of Waking Up White.

I am so very excited that the Historic Town of Eatonville was chosen as the film location for Waking Up White. With the historical heritage that Eatonville brings, I feel it is a great fit and excellent choice to the backdrop of an important storyline.” – Eddie Cole, Mayor of the Town of Eatonville