Location: AC.7.A.3.5.1 - AC.7.A.3.6.1

The Florida African American History Education Task Force Files document the development, implementation, and advancement of statewide initiatives to incorporate African American history into Florida’s public school curriculum. The materials date from 1995 to 2003 and are closely tied to the legislative mandate established by the State of Florida in 1994 through Florida Statute 1003.42, which required the teaching of the history, culture, experiences, and contributions of African Americans in K–12 education.

Following the passage of this legislation, the African American History Task Force (AAHTF) was established to ensure the effective execution and sustainability of this mandate. The Task Force played a central role in guiding curriculum development, supporting teacher training, and promoting educational equity through the integration of African American history across grade levels. Grant-supported initiatives were also developed under the Task Force’s direction to provide resources, workshops, and programming aligned with the original intent of the statute.

The collection consists of administrative and programmatic records that reflect the operations and impact of the Task Force. Materials include correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, grant documentation, curriculum guides, workshop and conference materials, and educational publications. These records highlight collaboration among educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders working to institutionalize African American history education throughout Florida’s school system. The files also document outreach efforts, training sessions for teachers, and the evaluation of program effectiveness.

Collectively, the Florida African American History Education Task Force Files provide valuable insight into the institutionalization of African American history within public education in Florida. The collection underscores the role of legislative action, educational advocacy, and community engagement in shaping inclusive curricula and preserving the historical narratives of African Americans for future generations.

The materials in Box 1 of the Attorney Armstrong Purdee Collection document aspects of Purdee’s professional life and public recognition through a range of materials dated from 2017 to 2021. This box consists of twelve folders containing commemorations, news articles, photographs, and publications that highlight his contributions, achievements, and involvement within the community and legal profession.

The records reflect both personal and professional milestones, with commemorative materials and publications illustrating recognition of Purdee’s work, while news articles and photographs provide additional context and visual documentation of events and activities associated with his career. Together, these materials offer insight into his impact and legacy during this period.

The folders within this box are arranged in alphabetical order, allowing for organized access by subject and record type. Collectively, Box 1 provides a concise yet meaningful representation of Attorney Armstrong Purdee’s accomplishments and public presence between 2017 and 2021.

This file contains general correspondence dating from 1954 to 1963 generated during the presidency of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) President George W. Gore Jr. The materials are arranged alphabetically by name and organization and reflect the routine administrative, professional, and external communications of the Office of the President during this period.

The correspondence documents interactions between President Gore Jr. and organizations including the 100 Per Cent Wrong Club, the National Education Association, the National Commission for the Defense of Democracy, the National Council of the YMCA, and matters related to the American Legion Parade. The file also includes correspondence with civil rights activists; dentists; physicians affiliated with W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital; and leaders and deans from institutions such as Howard University, Suwannee River Junior College, the University of Illinois Law School, and Columbia University. Additional correspondence includes communications with notable FAMU alumni; ambassadors from Ghana and Great Britain; attorneys; members of boards of county commissioners; the Director of the Psychology Department of the Florida Farm Colony; and representatives of an architectural firm. Topics represented include higher education administration, civil rights advocacy, public health, alumni relations, civic engagement, legal and governmental affairs, international relations, and campus planning and development.

Collectively, these papers provide insight into Florida A&M University’s extensive professional, civic, and international networks during the mid-twentieth century. The correspondence illustrates the breadth of the university presidency’s responsibilities and relationships within educational, governmental, civil rights, healthcare, architectural, and diplomatic contexts during the segregation era.

This file contains general correspondence dating from 1949 to 1968 generated during the presidency of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) President George W. Gore Jr. The materials are arranged alphabetically by college and university names and reflect the routine administrative, academic, and external communications of the Office of the President during this period.

The correspondence documents interactions between President Gore Jr. and college and university leaders from Prairie View A&M College, North Carolina A&T College, Texas College, Talladega College, Voorhees School and Junior College, Tulane University, University of Arizona, Stillman College, University of Rhode Island, Spelman College, Morehouse College, University of Florida, Bethune-Cookman College, Tuskegee Institute, Fort Valley State College, Edward Waters College, and North Carolina College at Durham. The file also includes correspondence between President Gore Jr. and members of the Florida Legislature and state and local government officials, including State Senator Leroy Collins, Secretary of State R. A. Gray, State Senator John Branch, State Representative Farris C. Bryant, Mayor of Jacksonville Haydon Burns, Herbert T. Cooks, and Samuel W. Getzen. Topics represented include higher education policy, institutional planning, legislative affairs, funding and appropriations, inter-institutional collaboration, and matters affecting public higher education in Florida and beyond.

Collectively, these papers provide insight into Florida A&M University’s administrative leadership, inter-institutional networks, and governmental relationships during the mid-twentieth century. The correspondence illustrates the role of FAMU’s presidency in navigating segregation-era policies, state oversight, and national developments in higher education while advocating for institutional growth and stability.

Location: AC.2.B.1.6.3
The Hayling family was deeply rooted in education, service, and civil rights leadership, with multiple members connected to Florida A&M University. Dr. Robert B. Hayling was born into a family that valued education—his father was a longtime professor at FAMU, and all of his siblings pursued higher education as well.

As a family, the Hayloads were shaped by a strong commitment to advancement and community uplift, which influenced Dr. Hayling’s role as a key leader in the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine. His activism not only impacted his own life but also affected his family, who faced social and economic pressures during the struggle for desegregation.

Overall, the Hayling family represents a legacy of education, resilience, and leadership, contributing to both academic and civil rights progress in Florida.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2017/01/08/film-documents-st-augustines-civil-rights-struggle/22763146007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z112219u112719e007000v112219&gca-ft=62&gca-ds=sophi

The materials in Box 2 of the Attorney Joseph Gibbs Collection document his continued legal research and advocacy related to education and civil rights, with records dating from 1967 to 1978. This box consists of twenty-seven folders containing court case materials, publications, Black college research logs, and special reports from the White House, all of which reflect Gibbs’ involvement in the analysis and development of policies affecting higher education and desegregation efforts.

The court case files provide documentation of significant legal decisions and proceedings related to school integration and equal educational opportunity, while the publications and reports offer broader context on national and regional policy discussions. The inclusion of Black college research logs highlights Gibbs’ systematic study of historically Black colleges and universities during a period when many faced restructuring, consolidation, or closure.

The folders within this box are arranged in alphabetical order, allowing for organized access by subject and record type. Collectively, Box 2 complements the correspondence and legal materials found in Box 1 by providing deeper insight into Gibbs’ research, policy engagement, and contributions to the advancement of civil rights and educational equity.

This file contains papers dating from 1950 to 1977 generated during the presidency of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) President George W. Gore Jr. The materials are arranged alphabetically by subject title and reflect the informational and documentary activities maintained by the Office of the President during this period.

The papers consist primarily of newspaper clippings on miscellaneous subjects, including civil rights issues, as well as magazine articles authored by James Baldwin and Governor Leroy Collins. Topics represented include race relations, social justice, political leadership, and public discourse during the mid- to late-twentieth century.

Collectively, these materials provide insight into the issues, events, and intellectual conversations that informed the administrative and civic perspectives of Florida A&M University leadership. The file illustrates how the Office of the President collected and preserved contemporary commentary and media coverage related to civil rights and political thought during a transformative period in American history.