In the face of terror and oppression, Black Floridians exhibited resilience and resolve, finding inspiration and leadership opportunities in their churches, while in a complementary constellation of civic and Masonic orders, they pooled their resources to provide financial assistance to those in need.

This program by Dr. Andrea Oliver explores how Black Floridians found strength in the faith and fraternal institutions they established in their local communities, reflecting broader national trends. Dr. Andrea Oliver is a native of Greenville in Madison County. A graduate of Florida State University, Dr. Oliver is a decorated educator with thirty years of experience working with students from K-12 through university. As a historian of twentieth-century African American and US intellectual history, Dr. Oliver’s scholarly interests include race and education, civil rights advocacy, and how marginalized communities exercise collective and individual agency in the face of oppression.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Support for this Florida Talks program was provided by Florida Humanities with funds from the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support provided by the Jacarlene Foundation. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities and its partners.