Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations - 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 30 Tallahassee, Florida ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Ocoee Election Day Riots
Historical Review and Dedication
Committee Recommendations
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 30
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
www.floridadep.govOcoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 3
COMMITTEE MEMBERS .......................................................................................................... 3
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 4
Rename Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park ........................................... 4
Rename Facilities Within Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park................ 4
Sink Hole and Live Oak Pavilions .................................................................................................................4
Dixie Lake Day Use Area ...............................................................................................................................5
Provide Educational Areas Within Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park . 5
Interpretive Trail ...............................................................................................................................................5
Educational Kiosks ..........................................................................................................................................5
Walking Tours...................................................................................................................................................5
Install Memorial Feature at Wekiwa Springs State Park ................................................................ 5
Add a Traditional Visitor Center at Wekiwa Springs State Park ................................................... 5
Develop Virtual Exhibit on Ocoee Massacre .................................................................................. 5
Establish State Parks Civil Rights Commemorative Trail ............................................................. 6
Incorporate Ocoee Historical Sites Into Florida Black Heritage Trail ........................................... 6
APPENDIX A – FEBRUARY 1, 2021 COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY ............................. 7
APPENDIX B – SUMMARY OF MARCH 5, 2021 DESCENDANT TESTIMONY ................... 11
April 30, 2021 Page 2 of 12Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On June 23, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1213, Education Instruction of Historical Events. The bill directed the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assess naming opportunities for state parks, or a portion of a facility therein, in recognizing victims of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots. The bill included a provision that allows DEP’s Secretary the option to appoint a committee to assess naming opportunities. DEP established the Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee (Committee) to provide recommendations on naming/renaming opportunities for state parks to recognize the victims of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots. On January 8, 2021, DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein appointed 10 individuals to the Committee. The Committee met on February 1, 2021, March 5, 2021, and April 14, 2021. During these meetings, the Committee was provided information on the direction provided to DEP in HB 1213, received testimony from descendants of the Ocoee massacre, and discussed recommendations for Secretary Valenstein’s consideration. The recommendations provided by the Committee are included in this report, and additional information can be found on the Committee’s webpage (https://floridadep.gov/parks/parks- office-park-planning/content/ocoee-election-day-riots-historical-review-and-dedication). COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dr. Jan Boulware Associate Professor of English and Interim Dean of College of Arts and Humanities Bethune-Cookman University Larry Brinson Commissioner City of Ocoee Eric Draper Director, Division of Recreation and Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Shawn Hamilton Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation Florida Department of Environmental Protection Anthony “Tony” Hill Chair Commissioner of Education’s African American History Task Force Dr. David Jackson, Jr. Associate Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of School of Graduate Studies and Research Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Dr. William E. O’Brien Chair and Professor of Environmental Studies, Wilkes Honors College Florida Atlantic University April 30, 2021 Page 3 of 12
Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations George Oliver Commissioner City of Ocoee Dr. Timothy Parsons Director, Division of Historical Resources Florida Department of State Pamela Schwartz Executive Director Orange County Regional History Center COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Through a series of meetings, the Committee reviewed historical information and accepted public comments on naming/renaming opportunities for state parks to recognize the victims of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots. At the Committee’s April 14 meeting, the following recommendations were provided for inclusion in this report. Rename Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park The Committee recommends that Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park be renamed in recognition of the Ocoee massacre. It was recommended that DEP consider naming the park(s) after Julius “July” Perry and/or Moses Norman, who are the two individuals most closely associated with the massacre. The following suggestions were provided as potential names for consideration: July Perry Ocoee Memorial State Park July Perry/Moses Norman Ocoee Memorial State Park July Perry Ocoee Memorial – Wekiwa Springs State Park Ocoee Legacy Memorial at Wekiwa Springs State Park Ocoee Memorial/Wekiwa Springs State Park Ocoee Legacy State Park at Wekiwa Springs Julius “July” Perry State Park July Perry Historic Voting Access State Park at Wekiwa Springs Perry-Norman Ocoee Memorial at Wekiwa Springs State Park Ocoee Victims Park at Wekiwa Springs Ocoee Survivors Park at Wekiwa Springs Rename Facilities Within Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park The Committee recommends that facilities within Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park be renamed. Specific facilities identified by the Committee are listed below, but general recommendations include renaming/naming: A facility and/or area after individuals that may not be as well known A facility and/or area after Moses Norman Campground area(s) in recognition of the Ocoee massacre Sink Hole and Live Oak Pavilions The Committee recommends that two pavilions at Wekiwa Springs State Park, the Sink Hole Pavilion and Live Oak Pavilion, be renamed in recognition of the Ocoee massacre. While the pavilions could be renamed after July Perry and/or Moses Norman, the Committee suggested that consideration be given April 30, 2021 Page 4 of 12
Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations
to renaming the pavilions after larger landowners in Ocoee at the time of the massacre, other victims of
the massacre, or in a way that would recognize the event and not after one specific victim.
The following suggestions were provided as potential names for consideration:
Prosperity Pavilion – In Honor of the Black Ocoee Landowners
Resilience Pavilion – In Honor of all Black Ocoee Descendants
Dixie Lake Day Use Area
The Committee recommends that DEP rename Dixie Lake, located at Lake Louisa State Park, and its
associated day use area. Renaming this natural feature would require DEP to submit a proposal to the
U.S. Geological Survey to request the lake name change.
Provide Educational Areas Within Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or Lake Louisa State Park
The Committee recommends that DEP provide interpretive components at Wekiwa Springs State Park
and/or Lake Louisa State Park to educate visitors on the Ocoee massacre. Suggestions include
establishing an interpretive trail, installing educational kiosks and offering walking tours.
Interpretive Trail
The Committee recommends that DEP establish an interpretive trail at Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or
Lake Louisa State Park. The Committee suggested naming the trail after Allen Franks and/or Moses
Norman and incorporating interpretive markers that focus on the stories of families affected by the
massacre (such as the Hickeys, Hamiters, Watkins and other families).
Educational Kiosks
The Committee recommends the installation of educational kiosks with Wekiwa Springs State Park and/or
Lake Louisa State Park. Educational panels should include, at a minimum, comprehensive information
on:
Events preceding, during and following the massacre
Impact of the massacre on the victims and their descendants
Value of the land that was lost following the massacre
Walking Tours
The Committee recommends that DEP offer guided and/or self-guided walking tours along the
educational areas established in the park(s).
Install Memorial Feature at Wekiwa Springs State Park
The Committee recommends that a memorial feature, such as a sculpture, wall or statue, be installed at
Wekiwa Springs State Park. The memorial feature should be located within a reflective area such as the
Serenity Garden. Serenity Garden is a project that the park’s citizen support organization has designed
and recently received a grant from the Florida State Parks Foundation to fund its construction.
The Committee further recommends that the memorial feature include the names of the victims of the
Ocoee massacre, with space to add those who have not yet been identified.
Add a Traditional Visitor Center at Wekiwa Springs State Park
The Committee recommends that a traditional visitor center be added at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The
visitor center should incorporate dedication of a memorial and interpretive items and serve as a focal
point for annual remembrance events and/or roving exhibits on the Ocoee massacre.
Develop Virtual Exhibit on Ocoee Massacre
The Committee recommends that DEP work with stakeholders to develop a virtual exhibit that will provide
April 30, 2021 Page 5 of 12Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations additional education and interpretation regarding the Ocoee massacre. Establish State Parks Civil Rights Commemorative Trail The Committee recommends that a civil rights trail be coordinated that includes historically significant sites within DEP’s charge. Incorporate Ocoee Historical Sites Into Florida Black Heritage Trail The Committee recommends that the Florida Black Heritage Trail be updated to include sites of historical significance related to the Ocoee massacre. April 30, 2021 Page 6 of 12
Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations
APPENDIX A – FEBRUARY 1, 2021 COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY
Hamilton called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. and introduced Noah Valenstein, DEP Secretary, to provide
welcoming remarks.
Secretary Valenstein welcomed the committee and thanked them for their participation. He remarked that
HB 1213 provides the opportunity to recognize the event and memorialize it through the state park
system. He mentioned that the Florida Park Service has won four gold medal awards because we are
not just about natural resources but cultural and historic resources and telling the stories respectfully and
inclusively. He stated the importance for DEP to learn from the discussion on how to better interpret and
look for opportunities elsewhere in our park system.
Hamilton provided an overview of HB 1213 and Secretary Valenstein’s decision to create the committee
along with the support of Governor DeSantis. The bill directed DEP to assess naming opportunities for
state parks to recognize victims of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots. The committee was established
to provide recommendations for naming and renaming opportunities to include properties, structures and
areas that may serve as historical markers and/or state-owned historical sites associated with the Ocoee
Election Day Riots. He noted the significant commitment that participation on the committee would require
of the distinguished group of leaders and educators and hopes to build on these relationships for future
opportunities.
Hamilton introduced Shauna Allen, DEP’s Acquisition and Restoration Council Staff Director, who would
serve as staff to the committee, meeting moderator and primary contact at DEP for the members.
Hamilton also introduced Toni Cooke, Uncommon Ground Consulting, who would serve as the facilitator
for the committee to support efficient meetings, committee engagement and developing a list of robust
recommendations.
Cooke reviewed engagement rules for the committee, followed by introductions of the committee:
Eric Draper, Director of the Division of Recreation and Parks, DEP
Dr. Jan Boulware, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Bethune Cookman University
Dr. Tim Parsons, Director of the Division of Historical Resources, Department of State
Pamela Schwartz, Interim Executive Director and Chief Curator, Orange County Regional History
Center
Dr. Bill O’Brien, Professor of Environmental Studies at Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic
University
Dr. David Jackson, Associate Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Research
and Continuing Education, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tony Hill, Chair of the Florida African American History Task Force, Department of Education
Commissioner Larry Brinson, Mayor Pro Temp, City of Ocoee District 1 Commissioner
Michael Weiss, Attorney with DEP’s Office of General Counsel, provided an overview of Florida’s
Sunshine and Public Records Law. He stated that the scope of the law is the right of access to
government proceedings at the state and local levels. There are three basic requirements; meetings are
open to the public, reasonable notice must be given, and minutes must be taken, recorded and open to
public inspection. Committee members may not conduct a private discussion about committee business
and no action is binding unless in an open meeting. He stated that public records are made or received
in connection to the committee that are intended to perpetuate, communicate, or formalize knowledge.
He recommended contacting committee staff regarding any questions or requests for information.
Pamela Schwartz provided a synopsis of the Orange County Regional History Center exhibit; Yesterday,
April 30, 2021 Page 7 of 12Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations This Was Home – The Ocoee Massacre of 1920. The center planned the exhibit and began intensive research three years ago. She stated they found many myths about the event, misinformation, and the lack of factual information. The exhibit established a broad context beginning in the 1500s through the Black Lives Matter movement and centered around the Ocoee Massacre. For the exhibit, over a hundred accounts of the massacre were evaluated and synthesized into one view proved by primary source documentation. Ten families were represented in the exhibit. Schwartz also stated that they are hoping to take the exhibit into a digital format. Q&A: Jackson asked for a link to the land exhibit. https://museum.zone/thehistorycenter/ O’Brien asked about involvement from the Democracy Forum. Schwartz stated that they requested the exhibit and their research is housed at the center. Hill asked if we knew how many people were killed. Schwartz stated that we know there were four black and two white individuals based on primary sources. They estimated 280 black individuals living in the community and have found 143 living in other places after the massacre. The numbers are hard to track because there were a lot of single men. Hill asked if there was a mass grave. Schwartz stated that July Perry was buried in Orlando’s Greenwood Cemetery. The three individuals were placed in individual caskets and put in a mass grave. Stories say wagon loads of individuals were taken, but there is no documentation on this. It is unknown if they were buried in the African American Cemetery in Ocoee. O’Brien asked about visiting the exhibit. Schwartz said that reservations for a time slot are recommended because of COVID protocols. Virtual programming is also available on the website: www.thehistorycenter.org/exhibition/the-ocoee-massacre/ Hamilton provided an overview of the committee's objectives, deliverables, and timeline. Objectives: Assess naming opportunities for a state park, portion of a state park or facility within a state park Develop recommendations Submit a report to the DEP Secretary for consideration Timeline: February 1 – Informational Meeting March 5 – Descendent Testimony April 14 – Committee Recommendations May TBD – Committee meeting (if necessary) Final report to the Secretary Implement Recommendations approved by the Secretary Eric Draper provided an overview of the Florida Park Service and the process for naming and renaming parks and facilities. The 85-year-old park service dates back to the 1935 Civilian Conservation Corps and is the only one in the nation to receive more than one gold medal. There are currently 175 state parks, trails and historic sites that include beaches, concessions, cabins, and campsites. The park service mission is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. The Acquisition and Restoration Council approves the name of a state park that may have multiple units and facilities. Draper featured Dr. Von D. Mizell – Eula Johnson State Park, which was renamed in 2016 for two civil rights leaders upon a legislative request with public support. The process involves multiple steps including DEP research and preparation, title and land record review, Historical Commission review, land management plan amendment review, Acquisition and Restoration Council approval, and implementation with new signage and interpretation. It may take up to one year and may include outreach to stakeholders. More information on Florida’s state parks is on its website: www.floridastateparks.org. April 30, 2021 Page 8 of 12
Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations Q&A: Hamilton asked what the catalyst was to initiate the renaming. Draper stated legislative involvement from Senator Chris Smith and tremendous community support and advocacy. Brinson asked if there are any parks in Orange County. Draper stated that the Wekiwa Springs State Park overlaps with Seminole County and is proximate to Ocoee. There are also other public lands in the area, including water management district land at Lake Apopka. Hamilton commented that everything is on the table with respect to recommendations. Nothing is too big or small and consider where the opportunities lie. Callie DeHaven, Director of DEP’s Division of State Lands, provided an overview of the land acquisition process. The division serves as staff to the Governor and Cabinet as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund; Governor DeSantis, Attorney General Moody, Chief Financial Officer Patronis and Agricultural Commissioner Fried. The division provides real estate services for the state, buying and selling conservation lands, administering leases and easements for state-owned and sovereign submerged lands holding title in the public trust. Florida Forever is Florida’s largest land acquisition program governed by the 10-member Acquisition and Restoration Council. Projects compete on a statewide level. The willing seller program focuses on the conservation of natural resources and promoting outdoor public recreation. Proposals are received twice a year for Acquisition and Restoration Council approval. The Governor and Cabinet approve the annual workplan, acquisitions and closing. The Critical Historic Resources category was established because the smaller focused projects may not compete well against large natural resource projects. Past purchases include structures and cultural sites across the state. There are also grant programs for acquisition that aid cities, districts and counties and may require matching funds. Q&A: Hamilton asked DeHaven to speak about the value of partnerships in the acquisition process. DeHaven stated that partnerships are critical whether sponsors are local governments or non-profit groups. The people on the ground know the value of the resource and inform DEP of what needs protection. These lands form state parks, forests and wildlife management areas. Hamilton reviewed the next steps for the committee. DEP believes the descendants of the victims of the Ocoee Election Day Riots play a critical role in helping to shape the committee’s recommendations. The next meeting will be solely focused on hearing testimony from these individuals. DEP will also post more information on the webpage (https://floridadep.gov/parks/parks-office-park-planning/content/ocoee- election-day-riots-historical-review-and-dedication) including resources and bios of the committee members. DEP is soliciting comments and will share those with the committee as they are received. DEP will send out information on state parks in the vicinity of Ocoee and additional resources as requested by the committee. Q&A: Brinson asked about coordination with the committee and requests for information regarding sunshine and record keeping. Hamilton stated that staff is provided to coordinate the distribution of materials and requests from the public and committee. O’Brien asked if there is an inventory of memorials for the event and state properties in the area. Hamilton stated that the state parks list will be provided, and DEP will coordinate with the Division of Historical Resources for historical properties. Parsons stated that during his initial search of the Florida Master Site file didn’t locate any sites, but the historical marker committee did recently approve one. Hamilton asked the committee if they had resources they could share. Schwartz stated that she will share a list of local efforts between Ocoee and Orange County. April 30, 2021 Page 9 of 12
Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations
Brinson shared some local efforts, including a Historic Marker at Lake Starke, designated Silver Star
Road as July Perry Memorial Highway, a marker at the Orange County Regional History Center and
the African American Cemetery.
Hamilton thanked the committee for their service and adjourned the meeting at 2:45 p.m.
April 30, 2021 Page 10 of 12Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations
APPENDIX B – SUMMARY OF MARCH 5, 2021 DESCENDANT TESTIMONY
Descendant Name Victim(s) Name Relationship to Recommendations and/or Comments Provided Other Relatives
Victim(s) Mentioned
Robert Lee Hickey John & Lucy Grandson 1) Victims name on a park or state facility.
Hickey 2) Victims name on a thoroughfare running through Ocoee since they
owned so much land in Ocoee.
3) Victims name displayed prominently somewhere in the city.
4) Use of the word riot vs. massacre; he doesn't believe it was a riot
since there wasn't participation on both sides.
Camilla Wilson Barnes Jack & Annie Great-granddaughter Raised to be proud of who we are and what we did and being fair. We Rosa Hamiter married
Hamiter are a loving, strong family. Would love to see that history, not only with to John Eady (relatives
our family, but I know the others had to be the same, because to the Hamiters),
association brings about assimilation, and they were all hard workers in Lafayette Hamiter,
their time. That needs to be instilled and not forgotten. It needs to be Hattie Hamiter, Hannah
something displayed. I know we have the educational part. This should Hamiter, Eunis, Jimmy
be a Disney World in Ocoee of the strength and foundation that we had Lee
there. Strength of the people that lived there. And what they did and
what they endured, how they prospered.
Patricia Merritt Jack & Annie Great-granddaughter 1) The embellishment to the “Sanford Out of the Dust, an Ancestral Past
Whatley Hamiter to Dignity” tour we already have in Seminole County, by including
Ocoee and following the trails of the descendants, explain what
happens next, starting from Ocoee with historical markers with the
names on the historical markers coming into Winter Garden, Sanford,
Crescent City, on up to Jacksonville following the heritage trail of the
descendants.
2) For my family, I would like to see, specifically in Sanford, a historical
marker on the site where Jack and Annie Hamiter lived on 13th Street
in Goldsboro.
3) A marker at Crooms Technology School representing Jack and Annie
Hamiter because they owned that land what was then Crooms
Academy.
4) The ultimate would be that the massacre would be on all the tour
maps and it would be the historical highways, historical markers,
telling the story of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day massacre throughout
Florida. It has to be now that the story has to be taught in all the
schools. I would like to see a heritage tour put together with school
systems financing the tour for all the schools in all of the counties.
April 30, 2021 Page 11 of 12Ocoee Election Day Riots Historical Review and Dedication Committee Recommendations
Descendant Name Victim(s) Name Relationship to Recommendations and/or Comments Provided Other Relatives
Victim(s) Mentioned
Pastor Stephen A. Julius "July" Perry Great-grandson He wishes he could say that he has a specific recommendation that this Grandmother, Coretha
Nunn building or that street or that monument is where you should place a Caldwell, oldest
name or plaque, but he doesn’t know that. He would simply say for what daughter of July Perry
he does know, what has already been done on our particular scenario
with July Perry is there are now a couple of streets named in his honor.
There is a wonderful plaque/monument erected there in downtown
Orlando near the Orange County Regional History Center. I would say
that brings joy to our hearts.
Kenneth Thompson Joseph & Henrietta Reparations paid to the descendants
Carmichael Family
Jake & Mae Brown
Family
Adrienne Hickey John & Lucy Granddaughter Naming a park to equal the lands stolen is not an equal exchange yet it
Hickey allows for the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, the great-great-great
grandchildren to know our grandfather wanted better for all of us. A park
at least, the State of Florida acknowledges John Wesley Hickey was an
example for us to be proud of even if currently we have nothing to show
for the man he was.
April 30, 2021 Page 12 of 12You can also read
