Florida’s Complex History: A Call for Inclusivity and Change

By SEVEN WILLIAMS

Florida, known as the Sunshine State, has attracted a diverse population over the years, with retirees, immigrants, and individuals seeking refuge from harsh winters in the North. While some may view Florida as a progressive state, it is vital to recognize that it is not exempt from the racial tensions and conservative values often associated with the deep South. Recent events and historical contexts reveal a darker side to Florida’s past, with racial discrimination and voter suppression being significant concerns that demand attention and change.

On May 20, 2023, the NAACP in Florida issued a travel advisory, cautioning African Americans and other people of color to exercise caution while travel-

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ing within the state. This response was partly due to Governor DeSantis and local politicians’ attempts to erase black history from public schools, reflecting growing concerns about the state’s attitude towards minority communities. The desire for tourism growth appears to have created anxieties among policymakers regarding the increasing nonwhite population in the state, raising questions about Florida’s commitment to inclusivity.

Though not a native Floridian, my deep connection to Florida dates back to my father’s birth in Jackson County in the 1940s; this particular region in Florida’s panhandle area holds generations of family history. My ancestors were enslaved on plantations in Jackson and Gadsen County. Spending summer breaks in Florida allowed me to learn about my family’s history and the broader Black history of the state, shared by elders within their community.

Florida officially became a state in 1845 after overcoming resistance from Seminoles and formerly enslaved Blacks during the Seminole Wars. The aftermath of these conflicts resulted in the institution of chattel slavery and the distribution of land to white soldiers who fought in these wars and plantation owners from other states. Slavery persisted for two decades until its abolition, with Black Union soldiers playing vital roles in battles fought in Marianna and Tallahassee. However, historical accounts often overlook their contributions.

The Reconstruction era was violent in Florida, especially in Jackson County. This era would be called the See FLORIDA’S HISTORY on page 29