The Florida Museum of Black History Task Force
Background
On May 11, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law CS/CS/HB 1441 (Chapter 2023-72, Laws of Florida) relating to a Florida Museum of Black History Task Force. The bill created a nine-member task force to provide recommendations for the planning, construction, operation, and administration of a Florida Museum of Black History.
The Bill Requires the Task Force to develop:
1. Plans for the location, design, and construction of the museum.
2. Recommendations for the operation and administration of the museum.
3. A marketing plan to promote the museum.
4. A transition plan for the museum to become financially self-sufficient.
5. Recommendations for archival and artifact acquisition, preservation, and research; exhibits; and educational materials.
The recommendations must include materials relating to:
1. The role of African-American participation in defending and preserving Florida and the United States, including the contributions of the residents of Fort Mose, the Tuskegee Airmen, and all African-American veterans.
2. The history of slavery in the state.
3. The history of segregation in the state.
4. Notable African Americans in the state.
5. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, including the founding of Bethune Cookman University.
6. The history of historically black colleges and universities in this state.
7. The inherent worth and dignity of human life, with a focus on the prevention of genocide.
Before July 1, 2024, the task force will submit a report detailing its plans and recommendations to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. Once this is submitted, the task force will disband.
Black History Museum Task Force Members
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Appointed by Senate President Passidomo |
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Appointed by Governor DeSantis |
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Appointed by Speaker Renner |
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Appointed by Governor DeSantis |
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Appointed by Governor DeSantis |
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Appointed by Speaker Renner |
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Appointed by Speaker Renner |
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Appointed by Senate President Passidomo |
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Dr. Nashid Madyun |
Appointed by Senate President Passidomo |
Meeting Information
First Meeting -
September 25, 2023
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Second Meeting -
October 26, 2023, 9AM - 1PM
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Third Meeting -
November 13, 2023, 1PM - 5PM
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Fourth Meeting -
December 15, 2023, 9AM - 1PM
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Fifth Meeting -
January 12, 2023, 9AM - 1PM
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Sixth Meeting -
February 19, 2024, 1PM -5PM
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Seventh Meeting -
March 25, 2024, 1PM -5PM
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Eighth Meeting -
April 19, 2024, 9AM -1PM
Download the Meeting Minutes Here
Final Location Criteria Scores
Ninth Meeting -
May 21, 2024, 1PM -5PM
Tenth Meeting -
June 28, 2024, 9:30AM - 11AM
Final Report of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force
Museum Location Proposals
One of the goals of the Task Force is to recommend to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives a location for the museum. To facilitate that decision-making process, local advocacy groups have prepared proposals highlighting the advantages of their regions. Access those proposals here:
Sarasota, Sarasota/ Manatee County
Museum Public Survey Results
The Task Force collected public comments to inform its recommendations for the future Florida Museum of Black History. In addition to receiving public comments during its meetings, as well as comments from professionals and scholars, the Task Force directed Department staff to develop a survey for distribution to Florida residents and visitors. Below are the results of the survey.
Final Report
At its June 28, 2024, meeting, the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force voted to adopt its Final Report.
Contact
For questions about the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, or to provide comments regarding the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, please email us at [email protected].
