Women’s Civil Rights Panel Discussion at the Museum of Florida History

On February 27, to kick off Women’s History Month in March, the Museum of Florida History will host a panel discussion of women civil rights leaders. The event is part of the programming for the Civil Rights in the Sunshine State exhibit now on display at the Museum. Three women will speak at 5:30 p.m. about their experiences working with the civil rights movement of the mid twentieth-century. Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons of the University of Florida was active in the Freedom Summer in Mississippi and was a member of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Ms. Priscilla Stephens Kruize was a leader in the Tallahassee movement and a founding member of Tallahassee Congress of Racial Equality. Ms. Sandra Parks was active in the statewide movement in Florida.

 “These three women had an astounding impact on the civil rights movement in Florida,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “I am pleased that we can offer this program to the public allowing future generations to hear about their courage and strength.”

Ms. Priscilla Stephens Kruize and her sister Patricia,1960

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Paul Ortiz of the University of Florida, Director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program. The program begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the discussion begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Museum Theater in the R. A. Gray Building. Admission and parking for the event are free. For more information, call 850.245.6400 or go to museumoffloridahistory.com.

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About the Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs and is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.