Jeffrey Dixon AMH 2091-005

The Rise of Black Student Consciousness in Tallahassee and the State of Florida I enjoyed reading this article because it gave many cases of black resurgence in the state of Florida. I was aware of a couple of historic events such as the bombing of Harry T. Moore and the Tallahassee bus boycotts. Blacks couldnt put up for desegregation for long so they united for a common goal. African Americans bound together for racial equality. I dont think they couldve made significant gains without courageous African Americans. Once one person stands up for something then others join in tow. They explored many avenues to pursue racial equality. I also respect African Americans for establishing their own institutions. I think the historically black colleges are necessary to bring about new social consciousness. A collective of progressive ideas drove African Americans to strive for equality. Many African American students fought to replace white college presidents with blacks. I feel this was a push in the right direction. I understand that they only wanted familiar faces with the same progressive views and goals. Broadening African American curricula to business and black history was crucial to expanding and exerting greater control over the institutions. I feel these steps were vital as well. Blacks were trying to have more independence from white institutions. I believe this created a greater sense of community amongst African Americans. Since everyone can identify with each other, ideas can be reciprocated much easier. Blacks demanded equal pay among teachers and professors. I feel this is important to value black educators as much as whites. Brown v. Board of Education set a precedent for undermining segregation. I think that created a great platform for spearheading many racial issues.

Jeffrey Dixon AMH 2091-005

Violence was often employed to subdue African Americans. I think violence is a very cowardly act. Civil discourse and exchange of ideas are avoided to ultimately silence someone. Acts of violence against African Americans often went without anyone being sentenced. I felt this was very unfair of the U.S. justice system. It failed to protect the citizens and enforce the laws it was designed to uphold. The killing of Harry T. Moore had great significance because of his role as a civil rights activist. His death also carries a lot of weight in my hometown, Titusville, which is a stones throw away from Mims. They honor Harry T. Moores death with an annual festival. The Harry T. Moore festival has a big cookout, a speech contest, and a speech from his daughter. Segregation created a large imbalance between blacks and whites. I think its unfair that whites received superior facilities and services. I applaud blacks for not standing for it any more by initiating the bus boycotts. It is a little ridiculous that blacks cant sit where they want to sit on public transportation. Its also unbelievable that African Americans cannot enjoy equal work conditions. The bus boycotts were fundamental in providing African Americans with equal facilities. I think it taught a valuable lesson in organizing and banding together. As society became more liberal, there was a push for more progressive laws. Improved racial relations are necessary for society to advance as a whole. It doesnt make sense for only one segment of society to reap the benefits while the other is hung out to dry. I feel that even to this day there is one segment of society taking advantage of the benefits.