From civil rights and education to sports and the arts, African-Americans have influenced every sphere of life in Florida.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Smokey Hollow was a thriving African-American community just east of Tallahassee. But after expansion of Apalachee Parkway, by only two black-owned houses remained. One of them belonged to Riley, a local educator and civic leader.
The novelist, poet, newspaperman, lawyer and civil rights activist had another title, too: Jacksonville native. Born to former slaves, the South Carolina native went on to become a world-renowned teacher, civil rights leader and advisor to five U. Tour the house where Bethune spent the second half of her life, hosting the likes of Langston Hughes and Jackie Robinson. The sculptor carved out her place in history as a Harlem Renaissance artist, educator and activist.
The Tampa native attended nursing school before pursuing an acting career. Best known for her role as the maid Prissy in Gone with the Wind, McQueen went on to hold a variety of jobs including restaurateur, radio host and more.
Gone with the Wind remains in heavy rotation at local historic theaters; try to catch a showing at Tampa Theatre or the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater. The baseball legend cemented his place in history when he became the first African-American athlete to play for a Major League team. This was the first time Robinson played in an exhibition game, and eventually the Dodgers moved their spring training to Daytona Beach. She played piano for Cab Calloway and Ella Fitzgerald.
