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24 gorgeous photos by Willie J. Allen Jr. in 'Welcome to Bithlo'

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Wed, Jan 22, 2014 at 5:28 pm

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

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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.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

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.

August 4, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

August 4, 2012.

An over-turned boat serves as a make-shift jump for Travis and friends. August 4, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

An over-turned boat serves as a make-shift jump for Travis and friends. August 4, 2012.

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.

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.

The boys watch their friends as they take the jumps. August 4, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

The boys watch their friends as they take the jumps. August 4, 2012.

The Lost Boys of Bithlo share a cigarette as they take a break from riding on the dirt bike track. August 4, 2012.

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.

One of the Lost Boys of Bithlo takes a rest at the dirt bike track. August 4, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

One of the Lost Boys of Bithlo takes a rest at the dirt bike track. August 4, 2012.

Travis, Dana and friend watch the aerial tricks of the boys on their bikes. August 4, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

Travis, Dana and friend watch the aerial tricks of the boys on their bikes. August 4, 2012.

Dana watches the neighborhood kids play outside her trailer. Dana is a strong mothering figure in the neighborhood. August 4, 2012.

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.

Dana holds her grandchild tight to her chest while resting in her home after a hot afternoon. August 4, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

Dana holds her grandchild tight to her chest while resting in her home after a hot afternoon. August 4, 2012.

Dana's granddaughter splashes in the kiddy pool, recently "freshened" with rainwater. Dana's trailer is in the background. August 4, 2012.

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.

A few boys enjoy a pick up baseball game at the Bithlo Community Center. August 4, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

A few boys enjoy a pick up baseball game at the Bithlo Community Center. August 4, 2012.

Motocrosser flies through the air at the track adjacent to Orlando Speed World. July 29, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

Motocrosser flies through the air at the track adjacent to Orlando Speed World. July 29, 2012.

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.

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.

A young girl plays on the swings at one of the Thursday night cook outs at the Orange County Academy.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

A young girl plays on the swings at one of the Thursday night cook outs at the Orange County Academy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

24 gorgeous photos by Willie J. Allen Jr. in 'Welcome to Bithlo'

Willie J. Allen Jr.

August 5, 2012.

Willie J. Allen Jr.

August 5, 2012.

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.

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.

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