Latest news with #Wells'BuiltMuseumofAfricanAmericanHistoryandCulture
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Flags flying at half-staff today in some Florida locations. Here's why
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to fly at half-staff today, March 13, in honor of Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Thompson died Feb. 13 at the age of 76 after serving almost two decades in the Florida Legislature in both the House and Senate. "Senator Thompson spent her career committed to public service," DeSantis said in a proclamation earlier this week. "She will be remembered for her dedication to improving her community." Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half staff at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds in Orange County. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Civil rights leader, educator and longtime Florida Democrat legislator Geraldine Thompson died at 76 after complications from knee surgery. She was first elected to the Florida House in 2006. She served until 2012, was elected to the Senate and served from 2012 to 2016, and returned to the House from 2018 to 2022. In 2022, Thompson was elected to Orange County's Senate District 15 and was re-elected last year after fending off a challenge by former Sen. Randolph Bracy. Thompson established the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando and was a member of a task force that worked last year on selecting a site for a state Black history museum. Thompson was 'a giant here in Florida' and 'was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader,' her family said in a statement. 'Her tireless work in education, health care, and civil rights, including her leadership to establish the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, reflected her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations. ... The world is a better place because of her.' Among many other accomplishments, Thompson worked to champion voting rights, preserve the historic town of Eatonville, successfully challenged DeSantis' appointment of Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court in 2020, and spoke out against a controversial law championed by DeSantis that restricted the way Black history can be taught in Florida schools. Lowering the flag is a sign of respect, mourning or distress. In the U.S., lowering the flag traditionally signals the country or a state is in mourning. There are certain commemorative days when it is customary to lower the flag to half-staff: Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day) Memorial Day (last Monday in May, from sunrise to noon) Patriot Day (Sept. 11) National Firefighters Memorial Day (typically a Sunday during Fire Prevention Week) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7). The flag also is lowered for the death of principal figures of the U.S. government and the government of a state, territory or possession, and for tragic events. Custom calls for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, unless the flag can be illuminated overnight. Federal half-staff proclamations apply only to federal buildings and grounds, to U.S. naval vessels, and to United States embassies. State proclamations apply only to government buildings and holdings. Citizens are welcome to observe half-staff days and proclamations with their own flags but any mandate to do so would be in violation of the First Amendment. As private citizens, you also may choose to fly your flags at half-staff to honor local political or religious leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches or a local hero. There is no authorization needed for private observations. On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Flags at half-staff today as Florida honors Geraldine Thompson
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DeSantis orders flags to half-staff Thursday for Sen. Geraldine Thompson
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Thursday in honor of Sen. Geraldine Thompson, who died last month. "Senator Thompson spent her career committed to public service," DeSantis said in a press release Tuesday. "She will be remembered for her dedication to improving her community." Flags of the United States and the state of Florida are to be lowered at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Orange County, from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Civil rights leader, educator and longtime Florida Democrat legislator Geraldine Thompson, who died at 76 after complications from knee surgery, was first elected to the Florida House in 2006. She served until 2012, was elected to the Senate and served from 2012 to 2016, and returned to the House from 2018 to 2022. In 2022, Thompson was elected to Orange County's Senate District 15 and was re-elected last year after fending off a challenge by former Sen. Randolph Bracy. Thompson established the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando and was a member of a task force that worked last year on selecting a site for a state Black history museum. Thompson was 'a giant here in Florida' and 'was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader,' her family said in a statement. 'Her tireless work in education, health care, and civil rights, including her leadership to establish the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, reflected her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations. ... The world is a better place because of her.' Among many other accomplishments, Thompson worked to champion voting rights, preserve the historic town of Eatonville, successfully challenged DeSantis' appointment of Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court in 2020, and spoke out against a controversial law championed by DeSantis that restricted the way Black history can be taught in Florida schools. Lowering the flag is a sign of respect, mourning or distress. In the U.S., lowering the flag traditionally signals that the country or a state is in mourning. There are certain commemorative days when it is customary to lower the flag to half-staff: Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day) Memorial Day (last Monday in May, from sunrise to noon) Patriot Day (Sept. 11) National Firefighters Memorial Day (typically a Sunday during Fire Prevention Week) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7). The flag is also lowered for the death of principal figures of the U.S. government and the government of a state, territory or possession, and for tragic events. Customs call for flags to be shown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, unless the flag can be illuminated overnight. Federal half-staff proclamations apply only to federal buildings and grounds, to U.S. naval vessels, and to United States embassies. State proclamations apply only to government buildings and holdings. Citizens are welcome to also observe half-staff days and proclamations with their own flags but any mandate to do so would be in violation of the First Amendment. As private citizens, you also may choose to fly your flags at half-staff to honor local political or religious leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches or a local hero. There is no authorization needed for private observations. On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff. The News Service of Florida contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis orders flags flown at half-staff for Florida Democrat senator
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Senator Geraldine Thompson will be honored at ICON Park
On Thursday, Feb. 20 and Friday, Feb. 21, 36 palm trees throughout ICON Park will be lit in her favorite colors, pink and green, to honor her contributions to Orlando. Pink and green are the official colors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Senator Thompson's one of many beloved passions. The Senator has supported ICON Park by encouraging tourism and hosting significant events there, creating buzz about new attractions, such as the coming of the Blue Man Group. 'Senator Thompson represented our district and was a friend to our industry,' said CEO and president of ICON Park Chris Jaskiewicz Thompson was involved in establishing the Wells' Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, which is featured on display in ICON Park's Wheelhouse. 'But most importantly, she was a smart, reasonable person who listened and cared. This is sad news. We will miss our friend and Senator, Jaskiewicz continued. Parking and admission to ICON Park are always free, and guests can gather on the lawn to enjoy The Orlando Eye lit in Senator Thompson's favorite colors. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida Sen. Geraldine Thompson dies at 76
ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson died Thursday surrounded by her family following complications from knee replacement surgery, her family said in a statement. She was 76. "Senator Geraldine Thompson was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love, wisdom, and compassion shaped their lives and the lives of so many in their community and across the state," her family said in a statement. "Her tireless work in education, healthcare, and civil rights, including her leadership to establish the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, reflected her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations." Details on funeral arrangements would be announced in the coming days, according to the statement. "Senator Geraldine Thompson was a true trailblazer in Florida politics. A lifelong public servant and a fighter for civil rights, her impact on Florida stretched far beyond the average elected official," the Florida Democratic Party said in a statement. "Over the course of her career, she championed expanding access to healthcare, giving our kids the education they deserve, and preserving Black history and culture — most notably with the establishment of the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando." State Rep. Anna Eskamani remembered her as a "powerful and brave advocate for our community. She was a trailblazer, history maker, & impactful voice for justice." Congressman Maxwell Frost remembered Thompson as "a force—a trailblazer, a historian, a fierce advocate, and a devoted mother and grandmother who worked every day to uplift all Floridians, ensuring that no one was left behind." "For nearly 20 years in the Florida Legislature, she broke barriers and created opportunities, especially for Black and Brown communities and those too often overlooked. She paved the way for many, including myself, to step up and serve our communities." Sen. Thompson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Perrine, Florida, according to her state bio. She has received dozens of awards throughout her career. She was first elected to the Florida Legislature on Nov. 6, 2018 – and became the first female Democrat and person of color to represent Florida House District 44. She then went on to represent District 15 in the Senate, representing West Orange County. She graduated from the University of Miami in 1970 and earned her Master's degree from Florida State University. She was a teacher in Orange County Public Schools for 6 years, and joined Valencia Community College as an administrator for more than 20 years. The Source The information in this story comes from a family statement, statements from local and state leaders, and Sen. Thompson's official bio.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Sen. Geraldine Thompson dies at 76 after complications from knee surgery
State Sen. Geraldine Thompson, a long-time Central Florida lawmaker, died after complications from knee replacement surgery, her family announced late Thursday. Thompson, 76, a Democrat, served in the Florida Legislature for nearly all of the last 18 years. She was remembered as a trailblazer and civil rights icon, with many local politicians offering tributes after her family shared news of her death. Her family said she would be remembered for her achievements but also as their beloved matriarch. 'Senator Geraldine Thompson was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader,' the statement released by the Thompson family said. 'She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose love, wisdom and compassion shaped their lives and the lives of so many in their community and across the state.' Thompson was a former Valencia College administrator and the founder of the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando. She represented parts of Orlando and western Orange County in the Florida House from 2006 to 2012 and again from 2018 to 2022, while she served in the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2016 and from 2022 until her death. She had just been reelected in November. She worked for years to get the state's public schools to improve the teaching of Black history, pushed last year for the state to select Eatonville — the historically Black town in her district — as the site of a proposed Florida Black history museum, and spoke out in 2023 against the state's new African American history standards she argued offered school children a watered-down version of America's past. 'It's an attempt to whitewash our history,' she said after the standards were approved. Her longtime friend Linda Chapin, Orange County's first mayor, remembered Thompson's role in the Central Florida community dating back to the 1970s. 'It's important to remember, because Senator Thompson has been such a force in the last decades, that it was a difficult beginning,' Chapin said. '…Orange County did not integrate its schools until [the 70s] even though Brown v. Board of Education had passed considerably before that. So this was still a conservative community.' Chapin said Thompson was well known and admired for always speaking her convictions. 'You never wondered where she was. You never wondered if she was going to do something convenient or political,' she said. 'Geraldine spoke the truth as she saw it…She was almost always right.' State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, who served with Thompson in the Legislature, said she was inspired by the lawmaker when she met her while a student at the University of Central Florida. 'Whether it was reproductive rights, voter rights and fighting for Black history, she always just picked up that microphone with such grit and grace,' Eskamani said. U.S. Rep Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, called Thompson a 'force' and a 'trailblazer' in a statement. 'For nearly 20 years in the Florida Legislature, she broke barriers and created opportunities, especially for Black and Brown communities and those too often overlooked. She paved the way for many, including myself, to step up and serve our communities,' he said. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings remembered her as a 'tireless advocate for the underprivileged.' Senate President Ben Albritton, a Republican, shared news of her death in a letter to Senate colleagues. He said she was a 'force to be reckoned with,' a lawmaker known for her passion for education. Her 'watchful eye, cheerful smile, and thoughtful, well-researched, and spirted debate will be greatly missed,' he said. Thompson was born in New Orleans and moved to Florida as a young child, according to her biography on the Florida Senate's website. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and a master's from Florida State University. She and her husband, Emerson, had three children and six grandchildren, the website said, and lived in Windermere.
