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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

Sen. Geraldine Thompson, Chair

Appointed by Senate President Passidomo

Brian M. Butler

Appointed by Governor DeSantis

Howard M. Holley, Sr.

Appointed by Speaker Renner

Rep. Berny Jacques

Appointed by Governor DeSantis

Tony Lee, Ed.D.

Appointed by Governor DeSantis

Rep. Kiyan Michael

Appointed by Speaker Renner

Gayle Phillips

Appointed by Speaker Renner

Sen. Bobby Powell

Appointed by Senate President Passidomo

Dr. Nashid Madyun

Appointed by Senate President Passidomo

Meeting Information

First Meeting - 

September 25, 2023

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Second Meeting -

October 26, 2023, 9AM - 1PM 

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Third Meeting -

November 13, 2023, 1PM - 5PM 

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Fourth Meeting -

December 15, 2023, 9AM - 1PM

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Fifth Meeting -

January 12, 2023, 9AM - 1PM

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Sixth Meeting -

February 19, 2024, 1PM -5PM

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Seventh Meeting -

March 25, 2024, 1PM -5PM

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Eighth Meeting -

April 19, 2024, 9AM -1PM

Download the Agenda Here

Download the Meeting Minutes Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Final Location Criteria Scores

Ninth Meeting -

May 21, 2024, 1PM -5PM

Download the Agenda Here

The Florida Channel Recording

Tenth Meeting -

June 28, 2024, 9:30AM - 11AM

Download the Agenda Here

The Florida Channel Recording

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:

Eatonville, Orange County

Jackson County

Nassau County

Opa Locka, Miami-Dade County

Panama City, Bay County

Sarasota, Sarasota/ Manatee County

Seminole County

St. Johns 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].

 

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