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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

Terri Lipsey Scott

Appointed by Senate President Passidomo

Meeting Information

First Meeting - 

September 25, 2023

Download the Agenda Here

Second Meeting -

October 26, 2023, 9AM - 1PM 

Download the Agenda Here

Third Meeting -

November 13, 2023, 1PM - 5PM 

Download the Agenda Here

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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