Honoring the Legacy. Building the Future.

In 1867, three courageous freedmen—Peter Wright, the Wright Brothers, and Balaam Allen—settled the land that would one day become Melbourne, Florida. At a time when freedom was newly won but true equality was still a distant dream, these men laid the foundation for a thriving Black community in the heart of South Brevard. Their resilience, leadership, and vision shaped the earliest roots of the city we know today.

Despite their significance, the stories of these founders have gone largely untold. The Founders Monument is CCCSB’s effort to change that. More than a statue, it is a public space dedicated to remembrance, education, and pride—a sacred place where residents and visitors alike can honor the strength of those who came before us.

The Concerned Citizens Committee of South Brevard (CCCSB) is leading this initiative to ensure that our community’s origin story includes the truth of its Black founders. Through this monument, we aim to preserve their legacy, teach future generations, and inspire continued progress built on the foundation they created.