The Jim Crow Era in Alachua County
March 8, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
WAG’s Program Coordinator Dr. Michelle Dunlap will be among those presenting “The Jim Crow Era in Alachua County” program on Saturday, March 8, 2025. This is the third session in “The Other Book” series. As the series flyer explains, “Before schools were integrated, Black teachers taught from two books; the official government sanctioned books and ‘The Other Book’ written by Black authors about the realities of the Black experience.”
Controversial new standards for teaching Black history in Florida’s public schools were approved in 2023. In response to this change, Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar stated:
“How can our students ever be equipped for the future if they don’t have a full, honest picture of where we’ve come from? Florida’s students deserve a world-class education that equips them to be successful adults who can help heal our nation’s divisions rather than deepen them.”
The Other Book series, sponsored by the Alachua County Community Rememberance Project (ACCRP) aims to help fill some of the gap left in Florida’s public education.
Jackie Davis, ACCRP steering committee and liaison with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), stated that the goal is:
”. . . to educate the public about our history and the legacy it has left in our disparities. It is not about placing blame.”
Over 100 people attended the February program, “Enslavement in Alachua County” at the Haile Plantation Homestead.
WAG member Kathy Dobronyi, a retired history teacher, has praised “The Other Book” series because of its ability to humanize history.
WAG encourages everyone and especially writers to take take advantage of this free educational opportunity about Black history. Registering is suggested but is not required. All are invited to attend. The courses are free, although a donation of $5 per class is suggested.
There are still two sessions in the series (see below). Note that the March and April programs are held at different locations.
Jim Crow Era in Alachua County
March 8, 2025, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
County Administration Building
Civil Rights Era to the Present
April 12, 2025, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
The Cotton Club
Co-sponsors:
