These photos were taken by the award-winning photojournalist, Willie J. Allen Jr., who was hired by local arts non-profit, ArtReach Orlando, to document the faces, culture and living conditions of Bithlo residents for an installation called the “Welcome to Bithlo” Art Show in August of 2012. The exhibit called attention to the past, present and future of an ignored community in Central Florida by featuring historic photos, Allen’s work and children’s interpretations of their future through art.

ArtReach Orlando works with under-served communities and organizations to provide free arts programming for at-risk youth. For more information, please go to artreachorlando.org

Photos by Willie J. Allen Jr. http://williejallenjr.com
Travis climbed up the tree to get a better look at the activity going on below. He was 14 years old at the time of this photograph. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
An over-turned boat serves as a make-shift jump for Travis and friends. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Aerial acrobatics performed at the dirt bike track in back woods of Bithlo. The dirt bike track was built by the boys and the main jump was built utilizing the inverted hull of a boat. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
The boys watch their friends as they take the jumps. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
The Lost Boys of Bithlo share a cigarette as they take a break from riding on the dirt bike track. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
One of the Lost Boys of Bithlo takes a rest at the dirt bike track. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Travis, Dana and friend watch the aerial tricks of the boys on their bikes. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Dana watches the neighborhood kids play outside her trailer. Dana is a strong mothering figure in the neighborhood. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Dana holds her grandchild tight to her chest while resting in her home after a hot afternoon. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Dana’s granddaughter splashes in the kiddy pool, recently “freshened” with rainwater. Dana’s trailer is in the background. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
A few boys enjoy a pick up baseball game at the Bithlo Community Center. August 4, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Motocrosser flies through the air at the track adjacent to Orlando Speed World. July 29, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
A visiting artist created this mural with the assistance of students at the Orange County Academy, a small school run by United Global Outreach. August 5, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
A young girl plays on the swings at one of the Thursday night cook outs at the Orange County Academy. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
A surprisingly unlikely juxtaposition of words greeted the photographer as soon as he arrived in Bithlo. This is the view directly across the street from the Orange County Academy run by United Global Outreach. August 5, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Two friends sharing a ride is a fairly common sight in Bithlo. Most residents use bikes and walk to get get around as gas is expensive and many residents do not own a car. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
August 5, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
These two girls play in the shadow of what locals affectionately call “The Castle”. This four story wall encloses an old dump yard that, according to residents, has leached toxins into the water for decades. August 5, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
Colorful yet dangerous oily sheen covers this small creek that acts as a moat to one of the deserted junk yards in unincorporated Bithlo. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
This local watering hole is affectionately called “Bithlo Beach”. Locals use it for fishing, swimming and gathering. It is located downhill from “The Castle”. August 5, 2012. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.
This kitten relaxes in her front yard complete with tire swing and mobile home in Bithlo. Credit: Willie J. Allen Jr.