Latest news with #BlackHistoryMuseum
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Johns County Commissioners extend administrator's contract 3 years amid tense debate
St. Johns County's Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday extended the contract of its County Administrator. This comes weeks after Action News Jax's Ben Becker confirmed that Joy Andrews applied for the Palm Beach County Administrator position, then withdrew her name from consideration. 'I made a decision, regardless of the differences of opinion about me or my role or how I'm performing, my hope is that I can at least show my commitment to my staff, my children, my community who have shown up today,' Andrews said at Tuesday's meeting. County Commissioner Krista Joseph, who has been a critic of Andrews, said during the meeting she was now 'all for' Andrews, but said she just wanted to see more initiatives fully completed. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'I haven't seen a lot of the goals completed. I've seen them on their way, but not completed. The Black History Museum, it's not a done deal. There are so many things, the World Golf, the FCC, the comprehensive plan, the tree ordinance. When I see those things accomplished, I'm like all for you. I do, we do work together great when we do the agendas. I don't have any problem with Joy. I just want to see accomplishment and reward accomplishment with an increase in time or salary,' Joseph said. By a 3-2 vote, the commissioners gave Andrews a three-year contract extension on top of 18 months remaining on her existing contract, keeping her on through 2030. Her pay remains $285,000 a year plus annual cost of living increases. In an email that was sent last month, Andrews wrote she was withdrawing from consideration because she wants to see through 'critical initiatives' in St. Johns County. 'Given the politics at the time, I briefly considered all my options,' Andrews said in a statement to Becker in May. 'I am 100% committed to St. Johns County and it has been my family's home for more than two decades. I'm grateful for the support of a majority of the commission and look forward to working together for years to come.' Andrews has served as county administrator since 2023, following the abrupt resignation of her predecessor, Hunter Conrad. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] In January, St. Johns County Board Chair Krista Joseph introduced a motion of no confidence in Andrews, a move that signaled internal tension within the county leadership. That motion was ultimately voted down by the rest of the board, allowing Andrews to retain her position. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eatonville back in the running as proposed amendment rekindles hope for black history museum
The nation's oldest incorporated Black municipality may soon have another opportunity to host a Black History Museum. 'I'm really praying that they will have a change of mind and a lot of us have been praying that it will come back here,' said Glenn Paige, Owner of Blessed By The Best Barber and Beauty Salon. Tuesday, State Representative Bruce Antone amended Senate Bill 466, aiming to designate Eatonville, along with St. Johns County and Opa-Locka, as potential sites for the museum. The amendment seeks to rectify previous decisions and ensure a more inclusive selection process. 'My museum would be 30% dedicated to the history of Florida, and the other 70% would be dedicated to black history, meaning we're going to remember the past, but we're going to celebrate the future,' said Antone. Antone's amendment comes after a contentious decision by the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, which previously selected an undeveloped site in St. Johns County over Eatonville despite the rich history and readiness to host the museum. Orange County wanted to build a facility that included a performing arts center and a hotel off Interstate 4 and argued the former Hungerford School site was best poised for success. St. Johns County leaned heavily on its history and the heavily weighted scoring to rise above concerns that its rural location was far from anything else and wouldn't be able to sustain a major museum. 'St. Augustine was supposed to do a feasibility study, which they had not done. So, they don't know whether a museum can sustain itself in St. Augustine, but it can certainly sustain itself in Orange County,' said Antone. Antone said the amendment is not to take away from St. Johns County but to more locations that work for everyone. Senate Bill 466 was passed in the Senate back in April and sent to the House in messages. The amendment would strike the language in the bill that only creates a Black History Museum in St. Johns County. It would then add language to create three Florida Museum of History locations in St. Johns County, Opa-Locka, and Eatonville. The amendment would also include The Department of State partnering with each location, the locations must conduct a financial feasibility study, and budgets must match on a one-to-one basis with any combination of local government funding, grants, or philanthropic contributions not exceeding $75 million over 5 years. For Eatonville, this development is more than a legislative change but an opportunity to celebrate and preserve its unique heritage. The establishment of the museum would not only honor the town's legacy but serve as an educational and cultural hub for future generations. Residents said placing the museum on the site of the former Hungerford School would help the town thrive economically. State Rep Antone said Orlando's tourist power marks Eatonville as a viable place for the museum. 'The town of Eatonville and Orange County offers a much better prospect for a museum that is able to sustain itself. Meaning enough money would come in just from the admission because the feasibility study for Orange County said that maybe half a million people would visit the museum. If you charge $10, that's 5 million dollars per year that could be used for operational management,' said Antone. The proposed amendment aims to rectify this by acknowledging multiple historically significant locations, giving Eatonville another chance. Resident said the move would be a step toward inclusivity and recognition of the diverse narratives that constitute Florida's Black history. 'We have a lot of hope in Eatonville,' said Paige. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: Working to preserve history for all
Feb. 12—Last week, staff from the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center & Black History Museum paid a visit to Ironton High School, where they gave a presentation to students on the subject of local Black history and their efforts to preserve it at their location in Ashland. Students not only heard about the collections contained in the museum, but also the personal stories of people such as its co-founder, Bernice Henry, who shared with them her experience going through school, starting in Ashland's Black school and then graduating after integration had taken place locally. Darrell Smith, the other co-founder of the museum, explained to them that he felt it was a needed institution for the area, as so much of that history is in danger of being lost as elders pass on. Stories such as Henry's illustrate that things such as integration are still, in terms of history, a fairly new phenomenon in the United States, having come about within the lifetimes of many who are still with us. It is easy for current generations to take for granted the hard-fought changes and progress that were made in the civil rights era and that is why it is important that resources such as the Nuckolls museum exist. And, in our current political climate, where, unfortunately, celebrations of diversity and initiatives promoting it are being curtailed or discouraged by certain officeholders, it is good to see that, locally, the civil rights era and the larger saga of Black history are being presented to students. It is only recently that a more inclusive, broader view of U.S. and local history has started to be promoted in the mainstream. We are glad to see that progress remains strong in our region's educational institutions.
Politico
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Clash over Florida's Black history museum location returns
Presented by Good morning and welcome to Wednesday. State lawmakers are ready to take another step toward creating the first-ever Florida Museum of Black History. But there's emerging disagreement about its location. A task force that met last year recommended building the museum in West Augustine, on the previous site of Florida Memorial University and in an area with Civil Rights movement significance. State Sen. TOM LEEK (R-Ormond Beach) introduced a bill this month to create a 13-member governing board that would kick off planning and development, then construction, in St. Johns County where West Augustine is. He paired it with an opening $2 million funding request. 'Having a Black History Museum is important, because Black history is our history,' Leek told Playbook. 'It's a part of who we are, the story that Florida tells.' But not everyone is on board with that location, reviving a tug of war that began last year. State Rep. BRUCE ANTONE (D-Orlando) is introducing a bill this week that will call for the museum to be built in Eatonville, one of the oldest incorporated Black municipalities in the U.S. and a location he called for at a panel meeting. He contends, among other things, that the voting results on the location last year were skewed because a bulk of the panel was from the area around St. Augustine. Antone told Playbook it would be a 'disservice' to Black history to build the museum in West Augustine, citing the city's small population — and a demographic that is 4 percent Black. He further argued the museum would drive more foot traffic near Orlando. He said he wants the museum to be 'comprehensive' and to celebrate progress on race relations, highlighting 'how black folks are an integral part of the fabric of the state of Florida.' 'The idea was to build a high quality, large Black history museum,' he said. 'What we ended up with in the recommendations is an unknown entity museum. … I just think this needs to be done right.' Antone said he met with other Black state lawmakers last week and that they agreed West Augustine was the wrong location, though some told him they'd rather have the museum in Opa-locka. Antone likened building a museum in West Augustine to 'taking a museum and putting it in the back corner of the garage and putting it up on a high shelf where you can't get to it.' Leek said many locations would have been appropriate for a Florida Black history museum but maintains that West Augustine is the 'perfect location,' saying it was his job to implement what the panel decided and that a legislative override would be unusual. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., bringing in tourists who have a penchant for history, he added. 'This is the spot,' Leek said, noting the 6-1 vote on the matter. 'There's no doubt about that.' The rival bills will likely lead to a robust debate over the best way to proceed. Florida has already served as a flashpoint for race policy, including how Black history is taught in classrooms and how race relations are addressed in the workplace. But Antone said he wasn't concerned about that tension, pointing out that Gov. RON DESANTIS had signed the bill to create the museum task force in the first place. He was likewise 'encouraged' that the governor signed his bill making Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day an official holiday into law. It was worth asking the legislature to weigh the location, he insisted, because 'if you don't ask, you don't get.' WHERE'S RON? Gov. DeSantis is doing a press conference in Miami Beach at 9:30 a.m. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget that Playbook should look at? Get in touch at: kleonard@ ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... NEW ERA? — 'Florida's immigration battle may be over soon. But will Republicans' good times last?' by POLITICO's Gary Fineout and Isa Domínguez. 'The standoff between the Florida Legislature and DeSantis over illegal immigration may be coming to a close. But a new era for the state's governing party is just beginning. 'Despite a contentious intraparty civil war that turned hostile at times online, Republican legislative leaders and the governor crafted a sweeping new proposal behind closed doors that aims to help President Donald Trump carry out his massive deportation effort. 'This type of compromise negotiation had fallen out of fashion in Florida recently, as DeSantis enjoyed unprecedented sway and was able to push legislators to follow his lead. The question now is whether it will continue — and how it will shape the upcoming legislative session, where DeSantis has both budget recommendations and additional high-profile policy pushes on the line.' — CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede's analysis: 'Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backs down on immigration.' CONFIRMATION IN QUESTION? The Florida Jewish legislative caucus raised 'deep concerns' Tuesday about the pending confirmation of a controversial professor DeSantis appointed to University of West Florida over his 'history of antisemitic and misogynistic rhetoric.' The group of lawmakers urged DeSantis to reconsider his appointment of SCOTT YENOR, a Boise State University political science professor with ties to national conservative think tanks, who was recently chosen as trustees chair at UWF. State Sen. RANDY FINE, a Melbourne Republican, claims that Yenor 'publicly questioned whether Jews elected to the United States Senate could be qualified for 'national leadership,'' an accusation apparently based on recent social media posts. 'Allowing individuals with a track record of divisive and prejudiced remarks to hold positions of influence within our institutions undermines that mission and erodes public trust,' the Florida Jewish legislative caucus wrote in a statement. Yenor, though, has his defenders. Israeli American philosopher and scholar Yoram Hazony contends that Yenor 'has nothing to do with anti-Semitism, nor is he anti-Israel.' 'In fact, I was expecting the left to attack his appointment because he's so pro-Jewish,' Hazony wrote on social media Tuesday. Yenor's appointment is subject to confirmation from the state Senate, which is expected to consider his nomination in two committees before it heads to the full chamber. — Andrew Atterbury FLAG FIGHT — 'Florida Senate Republicans introduced legislation Monday that would ban government buildings, including schools, from flying flags that show support for any political message or figure, such as LBGTQ pride, Black Lives Matter and even Trump,' reports POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury. 'The bill, which passed its initial committee hearing along party lines, reignites an idea that was taken up by the Legislature last year but ultimately stalled in the state Senate, making Monday's vote a significant development. Democrats joined LGBTQ+ rights advocates in opposing the proposal, labeling it as 'unnecessary' and 'hurtful.'' PARKS PROTECTION — Sen. GAYLE HARRELL (R-Stuart), the sponsor of a bill that would bar golf courses, lodges and other recreational facilities from state parks, told POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie she's open to changing the legislation — to a point. The bill advanced Tuesday in the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and will face two other committees before it reaches the Senate floor. 'I want to make sure we are protecting our parks,' she said. 'But I also want to make sure we're not moving to the point we can't do anything in our parks. There is a balance.' MARLA MAPLES AT THE CAPITOL — Actress and health advocate MARLA MAPLES, who was married to Trump from 1993 to 1999, was at the state Capitol on Tuesday calling for a state investigation on reports of so-called 'chem trails.' Maples, who lives in West Palm Beach, was supporting a bill, FL SB 56 (25R), which prohibits weather-modification activities, including the injection of chemicals into the atmosphere. Democrats on the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources expressed skepticism about the chemtrails conspiracy theory and repeatedly asked bill supporters who could be spraying chemicals. Maples said Tennessee recently passed similar legislation and is looking into the source of such activities. 'Because atmosphere is obviously not state-centric, do you know anyone in the federal government who may be able to help with this problem?' state Sen. TINA POLSKY, a Democrat from Boca Raton, asked Maples while chuckling. 'I sure do, and believe [me that] I will do everything I can — this is my soul,' Maples replied. 'Well, you know how to get to the top,' Polsky responded. The committee voted 8-3 along party lines to advance the bill. — Bruce Ritchie NURSE SHORTAGE — 'Florida nursing school graduates ranked last in the nation for first-time pass rates on the national licensing exam in 2024, leaving the state vulnerable as its population ages,' reports Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Despite having the most test-takers in the country, only 89.4 percent of graduates passed, compared to the national average of 91.6 percent. CITRUS GREENING CURE — Over the past 20 years, hurricanes, real estate development and citrus greening have contributed to a 90-percent citrus industry decline, but Agriculture Commissioner WILTON SIMPSON thinks there is still hope for recovery, reports the Florida Phoenix's Jay Waagmeester. Researchers have genetically modified trees to kill baby psyllids — insects responsible for infecting the trees — using a protein toxic to the bug, and MATT JOYNER, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, is pushing for the trees' replacement. LEGISLATION ROUNDUP — State Sen. NICK DICEGLIE (R-Indian Rocks Beach) filed a bill that would scrub references to the 'Gulf of Mexico' in state laws and change them to the 'Gulf of America,' reports News Service of Florida. ... State Sen. DON GAETZ (R-Crestview) and state Rep. ALEX ANDRADE filed legislation requiring property insurers to pay customers who've faced losses quickly and provide more transparency about rate increases, reports Florida Politics' Andrew Powell. CAMPAIGN MODE DON'T FORGET — With special and municipal elections coming up, Florida voters who plan to vote by mail have to request ballots for every general election, reports C. A. Bridges of USA TODAY NETWORK — Florida. Requests for ballots to be mailed must be made no later than 5 p.m., 12 days before an election. DATELINE D.C. END OF REMOTE WORK — 'Trump is making good on his campaign pledge to 'dismantle the deep state,' with a return-to-office mandate and resignation program designed to reduce the ranks of the federal workforce. He's directed much of his ire at federal offices in Washington, D.C. and has promised to move some out of the nation's capital. 'But four-fifths of federal workers already live outside the D.C. area. About 94,000 of them call Florida home,' reports Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times. LUNA TO LEAD DECLASSIFICATION TASK FORCE — 'Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., will lead a new task force focused on the declassification of federal secrets — including records related to the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy Jr., Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, and other documents in the public interest,' reports Fox News' Brooke Singman. ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN — 'Roses are red, violets are blue, 940 million flowers are traveling (through Miami) to you,' by David Fischer of The Associated Press. BIRTHDAYS: Former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, now president at Florida Policy Project … Axios' Marc Caputo … Gil Ziffer, former Tallahassee city commissioner.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Black history museum fundraiser brings history to life
ASHLAND A fundraising dinner will feature local women portraying important figures in Black history. Set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center, the Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum's Black History Month Fundraising dinner will feature portrayals of Mahalia Jackson by Angela Linthicum; Madame CJ Walker by Leah Branch; and Harriet Tubman by Kristen Martin. The script was written by Belinda Brown, who wrote it in 2023 for a Juneteenth program by volunteers working with Ohio University Southern. Since then, participants have performed their historical figures several times. Brown said the women being portrayed were united in their beliefs. 'The common denominator of these three historical figures was their faith, determination and their belief in themselves and their altruism — their sole goal in life was to reach back and forward to better their race in the midst of the prejudices and racial strife they had to face in this country at each of their lifetimes as women and African Americans,' Brown said, noting her favorite character of the three is Harriet Tubman. 'The other historical figures, as well as ourselves, are standing on her shoulders,' she said. 'She is part of the bridge we all have crossed over on to achieve our accomplishments. Her bravery and dedication towards the freedom from slavery is the cornerstone of African American legacy in America.' Brown's daughter, Leah Branch, will portray Madam CJ Walker, a woman who was born into a family of former slaves but was able to achieve her dream: She created an extremely profitable line of hair care products for African Americans and advocated for racial equality, promoted education and supported Black woman in business. 'Unfortunately, her contributions to American history were not taught in my history classes in school, so I did not learn and truly appreciate her life story until my mom wrote the monologue and I portrayed her,' Branch said. Much of her costume came right from her own closet, Branch said, with the addition of a faux fur wrap and headpiece that belonged to her grandmother and a few other items that were ordered. She said as many times as she's performed and as much as she practiced for the first performance, she's very comfortable in the role. 'I can truly say I've enjoyed each opportunity to tell her story,' Branch said. 'Her life and achievements serve as an inspiring example of resilience.' The entire program is an important aspect of the fundraiser, Branch said, because it brings the spotlight to the struggle, contributions and resilience of Black individuals in our country's history. 'Many of these figures have had a profound impact on shaping culture, society, and the fight for civil rights, yet their stories are often underrepresented or overlooked,' she said. 'By bringing their histories to the forefront, we ensure a more complete and accurate understanding of American history, highlight the diverse voices that have shaped it, and inspire future generations.'
