Honoring the Legacy. Building the Future.
A Monument to the Founders of Melbourne
The Concerned Citizens Committee of South Brevard (CCCSB) is leading the charge to design, fund, and erect a public monument honoring Peter Wright, the Wright Brothers, and Balaam Allen—three freedmen whose vision and resilience laid the foundation for modern-day Melbourne, Florida.
Who were the founders?
The History
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.
More than a monument
A Space for Reflection and Belonging
The Founders Monument is not just a tribute—it’s a living space for learning, reflection, and community connection. Designed to be open to the public seven days a week, the site will serve as a sacred and educational destination where the legacy of Melbourne’s Black founders is honored and brought to life.
Education That Brings History to Life
Our vision includes guided field trips for students, self-guided tours for visitors, and cultural programming that celebrates local history and heritage. The space will feature interpretive signage, historical storytelling, and opportunities for engagement across generations.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Partnership
Through planned partnerships with Brevard Public Schools, Eastern Florida State College, and Florida Institute of Technology, the monument will become a resource for deepening historical understanding, fostering civic pride, and inspiring future leaders rooted in the strength of those who came before them.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history.
James Baldwin
