Civil Rights exhibit on display at the Community House
A special exhibit arrived on the island at the end of December to showcase “Civil Rights in the Sunshine State” through Feb. 8.
The Museum of Florida History developed the Civil Rights in the Sunshine State exhibit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The history of the Civil Rights Movement in Florida is shown through pictures, graphs and narratives.
Advisors on the exhibit included civil rights activists from Tallahassee, Jacksonville and other cities, as well as historians from Florida State University, the University of Florida, Florida A&M University and the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network.
Yvonne Hill of the Sanibel Community Association Circle of Community Leadership, said in 2014 she saw the exhibit in Fort Myers before it went to four other cities through Florida before going back into storage. She said she and Executive Director Teresa Riska-Hall have had many conversations that they wanted to do something for Black History month, but their schedules never linked together.
“This year we said let’s do it. I contacted the museum and they agreed to let us borrow it,” Hill said. “I thought it would be a different kind of exhibit for Sanibel.”
The exhibit being showcased at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, was made possible by a grant from the Florida Humanities Council and generous donations from the Circle of Community Leadership, MudBugs, Lion’s Club, Sanibel Congregational United Church Christ, M.F.H. Museum of Florida History, as well as numerous other individuals.
“The exhibit is located throughout the house. Pretty much people can take a self-guided tour. There are nice narratives that go with the pictures. they can get a good feel for the exhibit,” Hill said.
The exhibit includes videos of such civil rights leaders as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Patricia Stephens Due, Theodore Gibson and the Reverend C.K. Steele.
On Jan. 23, a presentation, “African Roots of Southern Cooking” will be given by Blanchard House Museum Executive Director Dr. Martha Bireda, in conjunction with Executive Chef Jarred Harris. There will be samples available, so attendees can taste some southern food.
Another presentation will be given on Feb. 4 with Dr. Anthony Dixon, professor and University Archivist Bethune-Cookman College. The Rev. Dr. John Danner, senior pastor of the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ will speak about his perspective on what it means to be an ally in the struggle for civil rights.
Both of the events are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. They are free and open to the public.
“We are hoping the whole community will turn out to se this important exhibit. It’s important for everyone to know about the civil rights struggle,” Hill said, adding that she encourages everyone to experience the stories of the courageous Floridians who stood up to ensure quality.