Orlando State Representative Bruce Antone’s legislation to create the Florida Museum of Black History passed its first committee.
The bill creates the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Department of State for the construction, operation and administration of a Florida Museum of Black History. The task force is required to develop plans for the location, design and construction of the museum and all necessary facilities. The task force will be composed of nine members appointed by the Governor and Legislature.
“Black Americans have a rich history of contributions to Florida having played a significant role in shaping Florida’s history, culture, and society, despite facing significant challenges and discrimination throughout their history,” said Representative Antone, a Democrat. “The museum will showcase Florida’s diverse history and passage of this bill is a first step in the preservation.”
The the task force to submit a report detailing its plans and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2024, at which point the task force will expire. The legislation says the recommendations must include materials relating to:
- The role of African–American participation in defending and preserving Florida and the United States, including, by way of example and without limitation, the contributions of the residents of Fort Mose, the Tuskegee Airmen, and all African – American veterans.
- The history of slavery in the state.
- The history of segregation in the state.
- Notable African Americans in this state.
- Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, including the founding of Bethune Cookman University.
- The history of historically black colleges and universities in this state.
- The inherent worth and dignity of human life, with a focus on the prevention of genocide.
The legislation is now in the Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee.
