By Lauren Tjaden
African American history in Florida includes stories of heroes who shattered barriers, like Pensacola native “Chappie” James, who in 1975 became the first black four-star general in American military history.
James flew 101 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Korea, 78 more in Vietnam, and was decorated for valor and air tactics. And then there’s this: On the U.S. Air Force base in Libya under Chappie’s command, he personally forced dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi to withdraw from the grounds, using a .45 semi-automatic to strengthen his argument.
African American history in Florida includes tragedies, too, including “Ax Handle Saturday” in 1960, where members of the Youth Council were ferociously attacked by segregationists equipped with axe handles and baseball bats because they’d taken part in numerous sit-ins at the lunch counters of several downtown Jacksonville department stores. The notoriety of this event played a large part in ending segregation and improving race relations in Jacksonville.
Check out the following articles and videos to discover African American historic sites, people of note, events, museums and destinations all around Florida.
Wells' Built Museum: Highlighting Orlando's African-American History
African-American History in Miami’s Overtown
Celebrate Jackie Robinson's Legacy in Daytona Beach
Hannibal Square Heritage Center of Winter Park: Pride & Progress
Key West’s Unique African Refugee Cemetery
Greenville: The Hometown of Ray Charles
First Florida State Park Named for African Americans
Celebrating History and Culture at ZORA! Fest in Eatonville
Zora Neale Hurston’s Eatonville (w/video)
African-American History and Culture in Miami’s Overtown
Finding African-American History, and Florida’s Angola Community
African-American History in St. Petersburg’s Deuces Neighborhood
Pensacola’s African-American Roots
African-American History in St., Augustine's Lincolnville Neighborhood
3 ‘Conch Towns’ Where Florida’s Bahamian Culture Thrives
Explore Florida’s Black Heritage Trail
Guide to African-American Heritage Landmarks and Historic Sites in Florida
