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The Black Archives: From History's Scars... Gratitude
By Yanela Gordon
Published: September 20, 2011
Last Updated On: September 23, 2011
Published: September 20, 2011
Last Updated On: September 23, 2011
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Family History Museums Tallahassee Historical Sites Historic Districts Art & Culture Florida's Black Heritage Trail
At the Black Archives in Tallahassee, Studson Jefferson Jr. listens as Tanisha Matthews talks about a photo of a whip-scarred slave, Gordon. Jefferson then would talk to his teenage son.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
The bell once used to signal the changing of classes stands outside the Carnegie Library building home to the Black Archives at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
Murell Dawson, curator of The Black Archives in Tallahassee, interprets a collection in the main entrance of the museum.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
The warm up suit worn by Bob 'Bullet' Hayes at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics is on display in the room celebrating FAMU athletes at The Black Archives in Tallahassee.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
The Komics, Koon and Klan (KKK) Collection room in Tallahassee's Black Archives displays material produced during racial segregation.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
Chris Blackwell, age 17 of Mansfield, Texas, looks at the Ku Klux Klan robe displayed in the The Black Archives' Komics, Koon and Klan (KKK) Collection at the Black Archives.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
During a tour of The Black Archives, Jahquaye Hicks, age 8 of Tampa, looks at a coin bank in the Komics, Koon and Klan (KKK) room featuring segregation-era commercial material.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
A slave ball and chain is part of the Slavery in the Old South collection of The Black Archives in Tallahassee.
Photo Credit: Colin Hackley Photo
At the Tallahassee museum, a father absorbs the indignities suffered by his forefathers, then seizes a teachable moment.
Tallahassee – Studson Jefferson Jr. made his way through the Black Archives' slavery room one exhibit at a time.
He walked slowly past the branches of a dried cotton plant. He examined an aged leather whip tightly braided into an efficient tool of corporal punishment. There was a rusted iron collar that was used to punish and control men and women who exhibited rebellious tendencies.
And then came a black and white photograph, circa 1863. Gordon had been a slave in Mississippi who escaped to the Union Army. The master's whip had rendered Gordon's defiant back a rugged terrain of scars.
"I wanted our family to have a sense of what our forefathers went through for us to enjoy the simple things of life... such as riding a bus, going into a restaurant or attending any university without being ostracized." –Patricia Lee, the reunion coordinator.
"I can feel his pain even though I didn't know him," Jefferson told his teenage son. He fought the urge to cry. "It should bother you. These people went through this to get us where we are today."
The "Slavery in the Old South" exhibit often evokes emotional responses from its visitors. There are purely historical items: a 100-year-old Topsy Turvy doll, newspapers from the day, books, and authentic Civil War muskets, bullets and cannon balls. And pieces that are patently cruel: original cast iron shackles, chains, a slave breeding bed, a human feeding trough.
Jefferson, 65, of Donaldsonville, Ga., and his son, Sheldon, 16, visited the museum as part of the 2011 Robinson family reunion. Relatives traveled to Tallahassee, where ancestral roots were planted in the early 1900s when two brothers migrated from North Carolina and purchased land to farm. On their second day here, 40 family members boarded a chartered bus and headed to the Black Archives, one of the largest repositories of African-American culture and history.
"I wanted our family to have a sense of what our forefathers went through for us to enjoy the simple things of life that they may take for granted such as riding a bus, going into a restaurant or attending any university without being ostracized," said Patricia Lee, the reunion coordinator.
The Black Archives annually attracts more than 160,000 visitors who explore African-American life by viewing rare artifacts from Africa, slavery and the period of racial segregation.
Stories of trial and triumph are told through displays on education, medicine, science, business and sports. There is the 1964 U.S. Olympic track uniform and bronzed cleats of "Bullet" Bob Hayes, a Florida A&M University graduate. There are documents from the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, established in Jacksonville in 1901. The company was one of the few options African-Americans had to purchase insurance.
African-American contributions in politics, art, music and entertainment are also illustrated throughout the self-guided tour. Original portraits from "Highwaymen" painter Robert Butler hang throughout the museum.
"When you walk in, you can feel the history from room to room," Lee said. "It takes you back to that actual period, and you can visualize and feel what people must have experienced during that time."
Family reunions, summer campers and international visitors come here, immersing themselves in historical sagas that connect black history to the broader American narrative.
The center's most popular collection, "Komics, Koon and Klan," showcases authentic Klan robes, minstrel sheet music, albums and other racialized imagery from early 19th century popular culture. Visitors are often shocked to see advertisements that used racial stereotypes and caricatures to market household items, souvenirs, postcards, playbills, children's books and toys. Guests say the exhibit helps them better understand African-Americans' struggle for equality.
Other exhibits include:
- Frank Pinder Ethiopian Cross Collection
- African-American Antiques
- Blacks in Science
- Madame C.J. Walker Black Beauty Collection
- Dr. Annie Henry Black Like Me Doll Collection
- Children's Museum & Activity Center
"The museum creates a very intimate and personal experience that inspires, and hopefully moves people to a higher consciousness of inclusion and social harmony," said Archives Director Murell Dawson.
"I've gone on civil rights tours from Florida to Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia and I've visited a lot of African-American museums, but this one far surpasses all that I've seen," Patricia Lee said.
Officially known as the Carrie Meek-James N. Eaton Sr. Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum, the center was founded in 1976 by the late Eaton, a Florida A&M University history professor. A four-story addition was opened in 2005. The Union Bank, Florida's oldest bank built in 1841, serves as the center's satellite facility.
Housed in the historic 1908 Carnegie Library on Florida A&M University's campus, the Black Archives is a popular attraction on the "Florida Black Heritage Trail," which stretches from the Northwest Florida city of Pensacola to Key West. The trail's cultural landmarks include:
- The National Park Service's Kingsley Plantation, whose central house and slave quarters still stand.
- Eatonville, the country's oldest black township and home of Zora Neale Hurston.
- American Beach, a historically black oceanfront property in Jacksonville.
- The residence of Mary McLeod-Bethune, founder of Bethune Cookman-University.
If You Go
Black Archives' admission is free. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Groups of 10 or more can call 850-599-3020 to schedule a guided tour.
Visit www.visitflorida.com/articles/the-florida-black-heritage-trail to learn more about the Florida Black Heritage Trail.
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Recent Comments
Most Recent Comment
12/07/2011
I did indeed also feel the urge to shed tears. On my first scourer of the museum, I explored the "K,K,K" room. This room truly invoked a certain amount of animosity. I felt like I was back in that time, in the heat of the era. The guide was very animated which furthered my feelings in what I was viewing. The museum is a great collection of artifacts, stories, and photographs. .
Flag This As Inappropriate12/07/2011
This liked this article very much because it reminded me of my first tour through the museum. I felt as if I was taken back in time and I could had a new appreciation for what my ancestors have done for me in the past.
Flag This As Inappropriate12/01/2011
I enjoyed this article because I can identify with what Jefferson felt as he toured the museum. Initially, I was reluctant to tour the museum. However, when I finally made time to walk through, I was filled with happiness to see all that the African Americans that came before me accomplished. I was also saddened to see and be reminded of all that my ancestors had to go through, to make it possible for me to be where I am today.
Flag This As Inappropriate12/01/2011
I like this article because I can relate to it. When I first took a tour of Black Archives I was hit with a wave of both sadness and pride. This came about from the fact that it hurt to see my ancestors suffer through such horror and injustice. I felt pride in seeing that even though blacks faced such great obstacles, many came out as great inventors, speakers, and philosophers.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/30/2011
This article emphasizes African-Americans' rough history and gives a good visual as to what the Black Archives has to offer. The article makes me reflect upon my history as an African-American and makes me proud of who I am and the opportunities I am allowed today.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/30/2011
This article was very interesting. I was very fortunate myself to be able to witness all of the artifacts in the Black Archives . My Professor Dr. Dawson gave me and excellent tour of FAMU history.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/29/2011
This article was very interesting. Our class had to take a tour as an extra credit assignment for Dr. Dawson. It's was nice to see the history of FAMU and our ancestory.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/22/2011
That's my teacher! This article is so interesting because Mrs. Dawson gave me a tour. It's always nice to know the history of your university.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/22/2011
This article was recommended by my African American History professor and I have to say that I am glad that I took the time to read it. Jefferson's emotions reminded me of mine when I took the tour of the Black Archives. I was amazed at everything I had seen. Until then, I hadnt really realized how extremely important slavery was to us now. I will definitely make it my business to visit the museum at least once a year to remind myself where I came from.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/21/2011
I enjoyed the article. It is written well and it brings the Black Archives and the different images to realization. As a young lady, it makes me realize the smallest things must be appreciated.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/18/2011
This article was recommended to me by one of my professors and I am very grateful of that. I found this article very interesting. Many people do not realize what our forefathers went through just for us. They had to endure much pain and heartache. Nowadays some of take things simple things for granted. We should really be more appreciative of every little thing and consider it a blessing. This article is a plus, I'm glad that this family incorporated the Black Archives museum in their family Reunion Itinerary. This is what old an young generations need to see more of. I would like to send out a Big THANK YOU to the Jefferson family.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/16/2011
From vivid images and the emotions that were out into this article it really enhanced the quality and made it interesting to read.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/16/2011
The use of imagery in this article served as a powerful tool that effectively enhanced the article's content.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/15/2011
i like this article. When going through the museum there are a lot of emotions that you feel towards the slavery period. i cant image going through what our ancesters went through.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/15/2011
I absolutely loved this article. I feel that it was amazing, and did the Black Archives Museum justice. I, just as Mr. Jefferson, was moved when I toured the museum. The museum gave a great brief overview of African American history, and the things that our forefathers endured in order for us to have a better life. The "Slavery in the Old South" room had the most imapct on me as well. After viewing the photo of Gordon, I could almost seem to feel his pain. Although, im sure the pain that I imagine is NOTHING compared to what he actually felt. Concluding, I am thankful that Florida A&M University has kept this museum open not only to educate its students, but others as well.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/15/2011
I loved the black archives museum because it made me appreciate my race and be proud to be a strong empowering black individual.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/15/2011
Great article !
Flag This As Inappropriate11/15/2011
i loved it, a great brief of history.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/15/2011
The article is amazing. I have toured the museum my summer session in college, amazed but at the same time startled by the articfacts that i discovered. I encourage all to visit the Black Archives because, its a great museum and its OUR heritage.
Flag This As Inappropriate10/17/2011
I was a participant in this Robinson's Family Reunion tour of the FAMU Black Archives and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I have visited this museum before with other groups but this time it was very special because I was able to tour it with my family. As a former FAMU Rattler student and employee I am very impressed with the lay out and order of the different collections. I recognized the Bowers' family from north Florida, Wallace Bowers is a family friend and former church member.
Flag This As Inappropriate10/10/2011
Stories like this motivate me to keep my head for all that the people that had to suffer for us to get to where we are now. We have come so far but we still so far to go. I commend this family for taking a trip to a historical museum and actually taking in what they had seen. I just wish that others would do the same...
Flag This As Inappropriate10/09/2011
This is such a great article. Many aren't aware of the amazing artifacts that are available to see on our very campus. I applaud the family for including this tour into their reunion plans...It's important to know where you come from in order to know where you're going.
Flag This As Inappropriate10/09/2011
Professor Gordon amazing work! We have come so far due to the strength of our forefathers. I appreciate your insight on Florida A&M University's contribution to preserving history. We have to recognize where we have come from, where we are at this moment, and where we have the endless opportunity to go.
Flag This As Inappropriate10/05/2011
The Black Archives is, indeed, a jewel in the Tallahassee community. Such a great article to remind us what a teaching tool this repository continues to be for so many!
Flag This As Inappropriate10/05/2011
I really enjoyed the article. It was very informative.
Flag This As Inappropriate10/05/2011
Great article!
Flag This As Inappropriate10/05/2011
Loved it!
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