Black History Month 2023: Here are notable historical figures who appeared on US postal stamps
Through the years, postal stamps have commemorated the achievements of African Americans and landmark moments that were pivotal to race relations in America.
Black culture, history and stories told by the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe
More than two decades ago, a small start-up theater in Sarasota started putting African American stories center stage. Now it's one of the premiere Black theater companies in the country.
‘This is real’: Sesame Street’s first Black woman puppeteer fills ‘impactful’ role
Megan Piphus Peace never dreamed she'd be working on the same set she watched as a child — and inspiring young Black girls to pursue their passions.
Dr. King's visit marked period of Civil Rights changes around Tampa Bay
The 1960s marked a time of change in the Civil Rights Movement. Fred Hearns, the curator of Black history at the Tampa Bay History Center, said there are notable chapters that unfolded in Tampa.
Slavery reparations: How the US can follow one town's effort to right dark past
Should Black Americans be compensated for generations of oppression? From local communities to the steps of Congress, a PBS documentary airing on this MLK Day highlights the debate over reparations for slave descendants.
Ruby Bridges Day: How a 6-year-old became an icon of bravery, desegregation in the south
Walking together and wearing purple, students from Bay Haven School of Basics Plus commemorated the actions of one brave little girl who, 62 years ago, became the face of integrating schools.
Boca Ciega High graduate makes history as first Black male named salutatorian
Jeremiah Daniels, IV may technically be the second in his class, but he made history as the first African American male to be named salutatorian at Boca Ciega High School.
Woman whose grandfather was lynched searching for descendants of Polk County lynching victims
Cars and trucks zip by the Peace River Bridge on State Road 60 just east of Bartow as Doris Moore-Bailey stands on the bank pondering the gruesome thought of lynchings that happened on that site.
Florida House passes measure to limit race-related instruction
Overriding objections from Democrats who called the measure “wrong on all levels,” the Republican-controlled Florida House on Thursday passed a bill that would limit how race-related concepts are taught in schools and in workplace training sessions.
Black History Month: Exhibit celebrating ‘Freedom Riders’ coming to Sulphur Springs Museum
A new exhibit coming to Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center will commemorate a pivotal point in civil rights history. The ‘Freedom Riders’ exhibit will highlight and honor the group on the 61st anniversary of their demonstrations.
Bay Area architect takes pride in his buildings and his ability to dream big
A Bay Area architect who designs sustainable, functional spaces, is looking back on his journey from the mountains of Tennessee to becoming the owner of a successful firm in the city of Tampa.
Learn about local pioneers through city of Lakeland’s Black History Discovery Trail
Throughout Black History Month, the city of Lakeland is inviting the community on an educational journey through time. The Black History Discovery Trail explores the historical people, places and events that helped shape the city to what it is today.
For descendants of those buried at erased Black cemeteries, work never stops to honor ancestry
Several erased African American cemeteries were uncovered in Tampa Bay in the last few years, and the work to do right by those buried hasn’t stopped.
Tampa Black-owned business featured in Forbes
A Tampa Bay woman who started her first business during the height of the pandemic has now been listed in Forbes magazine just months later as one of seven Black-owned businesses everyone should know.
Jesuit grad overcame 'hostile' road games, violence to become Univ. of Florida's first Black player
"Leonard George and the Tigers" debuts Tuesday at the Tampa Theatre and tells the story of the first Black football player at the University of Florida. He graduated from Jesuit High School in Tampa and recounts the struggles he and teammates endured -- and how teammates helped him overcome.
St. Pete's chief of police one of Bay Areas prominent Black voices
The man in the top spot in the St. Petersburg Police Department got his start in law enforcement at a time when departments were hiring minorities in an effort to diversify their forces. At the time, he was not thinking about how his career would shape one of Florida's biggest cities.
Once sold as 'colored property,' Carver City and Lincoln Gardens now golden real estate
World War II was winding down and at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, young, Black veterans faced segregation, but they also found opportunity in the government-subsidized properties of Lincoln Gardens and Carver City.
Tubi honors Black History Month with new, original movie ‘Howard High’
“Howard High,” which premieres on FOX’s free streaming service Feb. 4, follows a high school musical group that must compete against a rival school in order to save their arts program.
St. Petersburg plans for new Black history museum
On Tuesday, St. Petersburg's first Black mayor, Ken Welch kicked off Black History Month by raising the African American history flag over City Hall. Community leaders say they want a new museum to preserve that history.
‘Black Love’ celebrated on the Tampa Theatre big screen during Black History Month
The Tampa Theatre is hosting a new classic movie series during Black History Month, celebrating some of the most iconic love stories as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts.