Recalling the Roots of Local Black History “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture,” wrote Marcus Garvey, “is like a tree without roots.” That’s the spirit embodied in two companion books on the history of St. Petersburg’s Black community, co-written by Rosalie Peck and Jon Wilson. Together, “St. Petersburg’s Historic 22nd Street South” (2006) and “St. Petersburg’s Historic African American Neighborhoods” (2008) offer a glimpse into the lives of Black residents who shaped the history of South Pinellas. Peck, who passed away in 2009, was a local poet and Executive Editor of The Weekly Challenger who grew up in St. Petersburg during the height of Jim Crow. She was one of two Black students who integrated all-white St. Petersburg Junior College in 1961. Wilson, who logged 36 years with The St. Petersburg Times, grew up in a segregated St. Petersburg, and recalls having never spoken to a person of color until he joined the U.S. Army at 21. Peck and Wilson put their considerable wordpower to use, creating richly detailed chronicles of life in Methodist Town, Gas Plant, 22nd Street South (the Deuces), and other historically Black neighborhoods that formed because of Jim Crow, and flourished in spite of it. These histories provide a timeline
THE HISTORY PRESS
By Amanda Hagood
Rosalie Peck and Jon Wilson wrote two companion books on the history of St. Petersburg’s Black community.
of Black history in South Pinellas, a directory of Black businesses and churches, and a multitude of photographs documenting life in the neighborhoods. But where they really shine is in capturing cherished community stories: important places like the Manhattan Casino and important people – including the teachers, preachers, parents and professionals – that sustained their neighborhoods.
The books are all the more poignant because many of these once-vital neighborhoods have been radically altered by urban redevelopment. The authors note, for instance, that the construction of Tropicana Field atop the old Gas Plant neighborhood resulted in the relocation (or closure) of nine churches, 30 businesses and more than 500 households.
Isn’t It Time To Reduce Your Premiums? Your local agent kowns your local needs. Home • Flood • Condo • Renters • Auto • Commercial
Mike Whitman, Agent
“We work with over 50 companies to get you the best rates!”
14
5308 Gulfport Blvd. S. • Gulfport Located Next to State Farm 727-209-8888 • mike@whitcoinsurance.com
One of a Kind Designs, Home Furnishings. Jewelry, Art & More 6801 Gulfport Blvd S., Ste 8 727-827-7244
theGabber.com | February 25, 2021 - March 3, 2021
