African Americans in Southwest Florida 1800 - 1960 | Untold Stories | Black History Month

In order for African Americans to build a community in Southwest Florida they had to overcome slavery, segregation and prejudice. Because of local heroes in the early years, doors were opened for local African Americans to flourish. Now, a special group of people have untold stories to tell about endurance, motivation, determination and inspiration to teach us what life was like before the time of integration.

The sunshine state has a rich and colorful history. For hundreds of years the state has attracted dreamers, opportunists, inventors and fortune-seekers. WGCU's Untold Stories aims to preserve the history of Southwest Florida communities.

Originally Aired: 02/27/2004

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African Americans in Southwest Florida 1800 - 1960 | Untold Stories | Black History Month
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[Cescabll]

Thank God I was born Black we suffered so much but we are still standing strong only if we could come together

[sherylwelter]

I am White..born in 1959..My best friend in 2nd grade was black..we made friends on our school bus and it upset some white kids and I remember getting so upset at such a young age and even mad at some of my family members...it didn't make any sense that my friend couldn't spend the night with me or couldn't even come over to play with me...I wish I knew her today! I am so ashamed of how my own color acted then and even more so today that it is still on going!I know that there are many that feel as I do now...Thank you for this video..

[joperis]

Black people have been oppressed so cruelly but yet keep on going, beautiful people.

[dang]

I think what the white man couldn't destroy is what is inherently in every black human being. Our spirit.. it never dies no matter what it endures.

[mabutabonages]

As a black man on the Continent of Afrika, I have always loved to learn about Black people in America and other parts of the World.I have learnt a lot indeed 😊 through Videos and Books Written by Dr Claud Anderson.It pains me so much looking at what Segregation and apartheid (separation) on the Continent of Afrika did to us..and our Parents.We will be re-united, our dignity restored, as one big Family 🌲.

[rashaunjones]

Notice they prayed before they delivered the baby.Bless Mother Perry

[ZachVanHarrisJR]

*the first shall be last and the last shall be first, shalom, feathers up* ✊🏾

[AllAmericanBabe]

This is hard. We still fight and we won’t stop

[triciawilliams]

My black peoples has been through so much all because of skin color I love ❤️ my black peoples .

[jlmmleleeallenjr.]

Many have said: "Let's Make amerika
Great Again" but my question is when was this country ever great ???

[saladinglanton]

These people were so decent, noble, philanthropic and all around loving for those in their community. I would love to have known them. Their experiences were priceless. So touching.

[marywilson]

Love this history of our people . Makes me so proud how strong they were even back then.

[kingofmedia]

My granddaddy used to tell me about south west Florida back in the 40s after he and his family returned back from living in Cuba how they had a thriving black community and how some blacks wanted to keep it segregated

[mslovely]

The part when she said "Santa Claus wouldn't let her sit on his lap"...and that it hurt her mama feelings...THAT HURT ME TO THE CORE💔😥 How could people treat children that

[donnahague]

I wish they would teach this in schools across the US...The fact that slavery happened is very sad and tragic and everyone should learn about it. This generation is not that far removed from the generation of when it happened. It wasn’t that long ago.

[deborahlivingston]

"What goes on in the dark will always be revealed in the light"... The only way the nation can heal is to talk and reconcile our differences.

[wonderwonderful]

I'm a descendant of the Seminole Indians. My great grandpa live, married, ate, and fought with Florida Indians. He became free and migrated with Florida Indians to remain free. He became an interpreter to speak for Indians to the white man and from the white man to the Indians because he knew both languages. He and his wife who was Indian had 5 children. My grandfather was one of the children. They eventually settled in a community called Sasakwa Oklahoma. Where my great grandpa had a chance to be in the landrush. He accumulate a lot of land. He Farm his land. But could planet certain things. He raised his children all 5 in that community. He dedicated property to the community to have a school, church, and cemetery for that community.

[sharonwoodard]

Those babies are so beautiful absolutely gorgeous

[brittenyevans]

Grandma looks good, and is sharp as a tack 🥰

[alfonsom]

These people are the descendants of courageous heroes, undeniably, the fruits of the creator.