Celebrate Stetson Kennedy’s Life

The Civic Media Center is honoring the life of Stetson Kennedy, famous Florida folklorist, human rights organizer, and environmentalist, on Wednesday, October 4, the day before he would have turned 101. Join the celebration, which will feature a birthday cake, and other refreshments provided by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville.

The evening’s program, “Living a Life of Purpose,” covers 80 years of Kennedy’s activism, from organizing against anti-Semitism as a 14-year-old to marching with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in their fight for higher wages as a 94-year old. Between those years, Stetson infiltrated the KKK, and he engaged in other organizing and journalistic endeavors in support of the Black Freedom Movement, a series of protests that began with the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955-56. He wrote and published seven books and innumerable articles. He cultivated friendships with Woody Guthrie, Studs Terkel, Jean Paul Sartre, and countless others.

Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Kennedy’s longtime friend, singer-songwriter, and co-founder of the University of Florida Arts in Medicine program, Cathy DeWitt.

Parking is available along SE 5th Ave., across the street on S.Main St, or up at the Courthouse. The event is free. Donations are appreciated.