Written by Tarék | February 24, 2026
Before this current city was founded as Melbourne by a once Cornwaithe J. Hector, it was known under a different name. That name was, Crane Creek. Originally founded by three freed black enslaved men. Balaam Allen, Wright Brothers and Peter Wright. The three men would build up a small village comprised of a church, school, hardware store, market and homes. It no longer exists within the city\’s perimeter today, the neighborhoods of Lipscomb and University surround the now, ghost village. Though, since have been replaced by a small apartment complex. One would even assume it was erased.
Today\’s artist inspired by innovators of yesterday. Nearly one decade later, 26 Black American artists who became known as the 26 Florida Highwaymen emerge. Gaining their education from Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, FL. Their art teacher, Zanobia Jefferson inspired this 26 to grow to appreciate the art of paint. Many of their artworks would depict scenes from coastal cities of Fort Fierce on up to Melbourne. However, when attempting to showcase their completed works in galleries, that was a no go. This solely having to do with racial divides and segregation within the then south. As an alternative, the 26 would commit to selling their artwork door-to-door and/or out of the trunks of their vehicles. Travelling up and down the Florida State Road A1A and U.S. Route 1 in Florida. Henceforth the moniker Highwaymen. Their vision and drive still influence the artists of today.
Indian River Night
Willie Daniels (1950-2021). Indian River Night, n.d. Oil on Upson board, 24 x 36 in.
The Original 26 Highwaymen
Curtis Arnett (1950- )
Hezekiah Baker (1940-2007)
Al Black (1947- )
Ellis Buckner (1943-1991)
George Buckner (1942-2002)
Robert Butler(1943-2014)
Mary Ann Carroll (1940-2019)
Johnny Daniels (1954-2009)
Willie Daniels (1950-2021)
Rodney Demps (1953-2020)
James Gibson(1938-2017)
Alfred Hair (1941-1970)
Issac Knight (1941-2022)
Robert L. Lewis, Jr. (1941- )
John Maynor (1948-2016)
Roy McLendon (1932-2024)
Alfonso Moran (1930-2003)
Harold Newton(1934-1994)
Lemuel Newton (1950-2014)
Sam Newton(1948- )
Livingston Roberts (1942-2004)
Willie Reagan(1939- )
Carnell Smith (1950-2015)
Charles Walker (1945-2022 )
Sylvester Wells (1938- 2023)
Charles Wheeler (1946-2019)
Talk about a life, played forward.
