Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center

In 1895, the first school for African Americans was built and later became known as the Johnson Academy. Because of increased enrollment, the school was moved to the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street and was renamed Jones High School. Years later, when Jones High School was relocated to its current location in 1952, the school became Callahan Elementary School.

The school was renovated and dedicated as the Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center in 1987. Today the Dr. J.B. Callahan Center is the cornerstone of the Parramore community and provides a variety of programs and events for citizens. Dr. Jerry B. Callahan was born on a family owned plantation in Abbeyville County, South Carolina on December 9, 1883. Dr. Callahan moved to Orlando from Daytona Beach in 1908 after earning a medical degree from Shaw University. Dr. Callahan was the first black doctor to open a medical practice in Orlando; he was also the first African American doctor to practice surgery at Orange General Hospital which is today known as Orlando Health. (Orlando Regional Healthcare)