Synopses & Reviews
Over 400 years ago, in 1528, an African named Estevanico first set foot in Florida near present-day Tampa as part of a Spanish exploration party. Since then, African Americans in Florida have continued to set examples of courage, perseverance, and leadership. In this book you will read about some people you may already know about--such as Ray Charles--and many others whose lives are also inspirational, even if their names are not so familiar. Though many African Americans started life in poverty and had to fight racial injustice, their stories prove that the desire to succeed can overcome many obstacles. They followed their dreams to become teachers, artists, soldiers, lawyers, nurses, sports stars, authors, and many other occupations. Their important contributions to the state and to the country enrich us all.
Also included are detailed descriptions of the 141 historical and cultural sites and a calendar of significant dates in the history of African Americans in Florida.
Synopsis
-- Profiles more than 50 African Americans during four centuries of Florida history in brief essays
-- Traces the role African Americans played in the discovery, exploration, and settlement of Florida as well as through the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement
-- From Estevanico the Black, who first stepped on the shores of Florida in 1528, to Carrie Pittman Meek, elected to the United States Congress, African Americans have been setting examples of courage and perseverance
-- Topics include Fort Mose (first free black community in North America), Black Seminoles, T. Thomas Fortune, turpentine camps, baseball, the Battle of Olustee, and Zora Neale Hurston
-- Provides a detailed description of the 141 sites on the Florida Black Heritage Trail
-- Particularly appropriate for school-age readers
-- For classroom use: one free teacher's manual with the purchase of three books