Civil Rights Retrospective: The Movement Through Photographs

Tallahassee –

The Florida Department of State proudly announces the program, “Civil Rights Retrospective: The Movement through Photographs,” on Friday, June 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee. From wade-ins on the sandy beaches of Fort Lauderdale, to sit-ins at department stores in the shadow of the Capitol building, the Civil Rights Movement touched every Floridian, and impacted every corner of the state. The State Archives of Florida will host the program in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. The rotating slideshow will feature historic photographs that document important individuals, and highlight critical events during the Civil Rights Movement in Florida from 1945 to 1968.

“These historic photographs attest to the struggles of African-Americans in Florida, in an effort to achieve equality,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner.  “These photographs are powerful reminders of our history, and vital tools for educating future generations about the Civil Rights Movement in our state. I encourage everyone to come experience these images that symbolize the determination of Florida’s will and perseverance.”

The event will feature approximately 150 images projected in large screen format. Guests will be treated to refreshments generously provided by the Friends of the State Library and Archives of Florida.

 “Civil Rights Retrospective: The Movement through Photographs,” is part of the Department of State’s ongoing efforts to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Other components will include a panel exhibit produced by the State Archives of Florida in collaboration with the Museum of Florida History, which explores the Civil Rights Movement in Tallahassee from 1954 until the passage of the Civil Right Act in 1964, titled “Truth and Triumph.” The exhibit opened June 15, 2014, and runs through December 31, 2014, in the lobby of the R. A. Gray Building. The Museum of Florida History will continue the commemoration with a special exhibit titled, “Civil Rights in the Sunshine State,” which focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and its broad impacts throughout Florida and the nation. This exhibition will be open from November 7, 2014 through April 5, 2015.

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 About Florida Memory:

Florida Memory provides free online access to more than 528,000 significant photographs, films, sound recordings, and original documents from the collections of the State Library and Archives of Florida. Florida Memory is funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services. Visit floridamemory.com for more information.