The passage of the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Despite the constitutional security granted by the amendment, Black women–and Black men–were not able to exercise voting privileges. This did not prevent Black women from engaging in political organizing and registering others to vote. When Black women were finally able to vote with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Black women began to enter national politics in force.

In part three of this series, our panelists will help us explore the political history of Black women; their goals and activism; and discuss the future role of Black women in Florida’s politics.

Participating Panelists:

• Dr. Sharon Austin is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Florida.
• Ms. Francesca Menes is the Founder and Chief Community Engager of CommUnity Strategies, LLC.
• Dr. Paul Ortiz is a Professor of History the Director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida.
• Dr. Tameka Hobbs (Moderator) is the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of History at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens.

Refusing to be Silenced: The Political History and Future of Black Women in Florida is part of a conversation series, The Long History of Race Relations in Florida, convened by Florida Humanities in an effort to better understand the historical forces that influence Florida’s politics, culture, and economy.