UF student Khambria Clarke reads selected passages from James Weldon Johnson's poem titled "50 Years" at the event. (photo by Ira Fischler)
Florida Black History:
Where We Stand in the Age of Barack Obama
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With this public program, our hope was to facilitate a dialogue on the importance of African American history, as well as the urgent need to gather, preserve, and promote Florida black history to younger generations before this history is lost forever.
The event, which took place on March 17, 2009, was attended by more than 250 people in Library East, and featured inspirational music, dance, and spoken word performances. UF President Bernie Machen presented Joel Buchanan with an achievement award in honor of his work to preserve and promote African American history for future generations. During the 1980s, Joel Buchanan documented the lives of many residents in Gainesville's Fifth Avenue community. These interviews are now part of the Oral History Program's collection. Joel Buchanan is a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Keeper of the Dream Award and the Rosa Parks Silent Courage Award.
The program acknowledged the presence and contributions of revered, living persons whose sacrifices in the past-as students-played key roles in the development of UF as a place honoring diversity and inclusion. Several of the "firsts" (original African American graduates of UF's various colleges) were present and recognized by President Machen: Federal Judge Stephan Mickle, his wife, Evelyn Marie Moore Mickle, and Reuben Brigety. Sherry DuPree, Gwendolyn Zohara Simmons, and Dan Harmeling joined Evelyn Mickle as panelists, rounding out the discussion group, with each contributor bringing unique offerings of personal experience with past racism and its implications in today's world. The conceptual developer of this public event was Marna Weston, a third-year doctoral student in Agricultural Education and Communication at UF.
The UF Gospel Choir, the Black Student Union Leadership Council, and Madear's Kids gave inspiring performances at the event.
Watch a slideshow featuring Madear's Kids.
This event was co-sponsored by SPOHP; UF African American Studies Program; George A. Smathers Library East; Bob Graham Center for Public Service; UF Center for African Studies; UF Department of History; UF Office of the Provost; Civic Media Center; Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Inc.; Yavitz Fund of the UF Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville; Social Justice Council; Anti-Racism Coalition; North Star Leadership Council Alumni; and Alachua County Historic Trust--Matheson Museum, Inc.
See story about this event in the Summer 2009 History Speaks newsletter, pages 14-15. (Linked on the homepage.)
A Call for an Authentic Multiracial Democracy
