University Relations Community Relations
50th Anniversary of UF's Integration
Theme | Goal | Past and Upcoming Events | Committee Members
Florida
Bridgewater-Alford
Director
PO Box 113158 (111 Tigert Hall)
Gainesville, FL 32611-3156
352-392-4567, ext. 603
E-mail: bridgefl@ufl.edu
Current Events
Celebrating the Firsts
Thank you for visiting. Reservations for the "Celebrating the Firsts" Gala Dinner and Program scheduled for February 7, 2009 are now closed. If you have any questions regarding the gala, please contact Florida Bridgewater-Alford, bridgefl@ufl.edu or 352-392-4567.
"Celebrating the Firsts" Gala Weekend
February 6th: Ms. Denyce Graves, Mezzo-soprano performance, Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the CPA Box Office at 352-392-2787.
February 7th: Dinner, "Celebrating the Firsts" Gala Program, Dinner and Performance
When: February 7, 2009
Location: UF Emerson Alumni Hall, President's Ballroom
Sponsored by UF Foundation and Alumni Affairs, University Athletic
Association, Shands HealthCare, with in-kind assistance from UF's Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, and Dave Waldrop Inc. Promotional Products.
Roll over the slideshow to see the player controls
February 8th: African Children's Choir performance, Center for the Performing Arts, at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the CPA Box Office at 352-392-2787.
February 4, 2009: Diane Roberts, NPR's "Weekend Edition" commentator/essayist, will give the 2009 Gus Burns Lecture at UF hosted by the department of history and the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program.
This year's talk, "The Blackness of Barack Obama," will explore historical definitions of "blackness" in the context of American social constructs, including those advanced by ill-informed people who claim Obama isn't really black or not very black, she said.
The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. in Pugh Hall. The event is open to the public.
A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Keene Faculty Center, followed by Ms. Roberts at 6:30 p.m. in Pugh Hall. Afterward, Ms. Roberts will sign copies of her books, which will be available for sale at the event. For additional information, please contact Jack Davis at jackedavis@gmail.com or 352-273-3398.
March 17, "Florida Black History: Where We Stand in the Age of Barack Obama." Confirmed Speakers include Dr. Bernie Machen, UF President, Joel Buchanan (moderator), and Professor Sherry DuPree. Tuesday, March 17, at 6 pm, UF Smathers Library East, 1st Floor, Room 1A.
The evening will also feature entertainment by the University of Florida Gospel Choir and Madear's Kids! We hope to facilitate a dialog on the importance of African-American history as well as the urgent need to gather, preserve, and promote Florida Black History to younger generations.
Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. For tickets contact: 352-392-7168.
Theme
The theme for the yearlong event that begins in February 2008 - is "Commemorating 50 years of Integration: Celebrating the Firsts." The observance will feature an examination of the history of integration at the University of Florida while focusing on the future of UF's commitment to diversity.
The program will celebrate the "firsts" at the University of Florida. Planned activities will center on the stories and remembrances of the first black graduates of UF and of the first black graduates of each college, starting in 1958. There also is an opportunity to focus on "firsts" in other areas as well.
Goal
To recognize the significance of an important part of UF's history, particularly among multicultural populations, and to reach out to every member of The Gator Nation.
Past and Upcoming Events
Jim Haskins Reading Corner Debut
When: February 2, 2008
Location: Smathers Library
Haskins was one of the first black full professors at UF. He authored more
than 100 books and has an unrivaled background in writing African-American
nonfiction for young readers
Premiere of 50th Commemoration Video
When: February 23, 2008
Location: Orange and Brew/O'Connell Center
Sponsored by UF Office of Community Relations
Florida Invitational Stepshow Pre-Reception
When: February 23, 2008
Location: Orange and Brew/O'Connell Center
Sponsored by Association of Black Alumni
Celebrating Federal Judge Stephan Mickle (pdf, 4.9 MB)
When: March 29, 2008
Location: Levin College of Law
One of five (first) black undergraduates accepted at UF in 1959
Kickoff to Black Legends Ball
When: April 4, 2008
Location: President's Mansion - invitation only
Sponsored by Black Student Union, Dean of Students Office, UF Association of
Black Faculty and Staff and UF Alumni Association
Orange and Blue Weekend announcement
When: April 11-12, 2008
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
UF Black Student Assembly: Black Student Assembly 50 Years in the Making: Leading the World in Color
This event will celebrate the Lifetime Achievement of the Black
Student.
Sponsored by UF Deans of Students Office, Institute of Black Culture and
WOW
When: August 27, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Reitz Union Grand Ballroom
UF Association of Black Alumni Welcome Back Weekend
When: August 29 - August 31, 2008
Sponsored by UF Association of Black Alumni
Black Student Union “Community Service Project: Road Clean-Up”
When: September 13, 2008, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This event includes a Welcome Back barbeque at the Plaza of Americas from 12
to 3:30 p.m.
All events listed that are sponsored by the University of Florida Black Student Union, please contact: BSU President Courtney Stephenson at cstepson@ufl.edu or 1-850-225-9885.
"Let Us Fellowship Together"
When: September 14, 2008, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
A church service at Community Praise Center, 303 N.E. 39th Ave.
Sponsored by the University of Florida BSU.
First Day of Integrated Classes 50 Years Ago
When: September 15, 2008
Anniversary celebration of the day 50 years ago when Mr. George H. Starke Jr.
integrated the University of Florida.
Laura Ellis, associate professor of music, will play a special selection of music on the Carillon at Century Tower, 12:35 to 12:50 p.m., in recognition of the anniversary.
A walk from Reitz Student Union to Tigert Hall, “March on UF,” will begin at 12 p.m. George H. Starke Jr., the first black student enrolled at the University of Florida, will speak at 12:30 p.m. on the Tigert Hall steps. Sponsored by the University of Florida BSU. Starke will be presented with a proclamation from City of Gainesville Commissioner Jeanna Mastrodicasa at 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by the University of Florida BSU.
"Stories Untold: The History of Black Students at UF"
When: September 16, 2008, 12 p.m.
Location: Room 1A, East Smathers Library
Join Mr. George H. Starke, Jr. and several other Black alumni at "Stories Untold: The History of Black Students at UF" as they discuss their experiences and history at the University of Florida. The event is sponsored by the Black Student Union and the Institute of Black Culture.
A resolution concerning 50 years of integration will be presented by the BSU before the University of Florida Student Senate at 7:30 p.m. at the Levin College of Law.
Constitution Day 2008: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Integration of UF, (pdf, 430kb)
When: September 17, 2008, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, UF Levin College of Law
The annual Constitution Day activities at the University of Florida will be dedicated to a remembrance of the beginning of campus integration. The event will include relatives of the late Hawkins and his last attorney, Harley S. Herman, as well as the Honorable Stephan Mickle, United District Judge for the Northern District of Florida. Faculty members will provide a perspective on the legal process of desegregation.
A diversity forum, “50 years…Where are we now'” will be presented at 7 p.m. at Pugh Hall, Room 170. The event is sponsored by the University of Florida BSU.
University of Florida College of Fine Arts presents "George Washington's Boy"
When: September 24-26, 2008, 7:30 p.m.; September 28, 2008, 2:00 p.m.
Location: Constans Theatre
Ticket Information:
$11 students w/ ID, senior citizens, faculty/staff
$15 adults
Reserve tickets at the University Box Office (392-1653) or at ticketmaster.com
"George Washington's Boy" provides a rare opportunity to glimpse into a new view of American history. The fight for freedom from the British, the Declaration of Independence and the first presidency of the United States is presented from the viewpoint of George Washington's closest confidant—ironically, his slave William "Billy" Lee.
Ted Lange, playwright and actor, is proud to bring to life his most recent play, "George Washington's Boy," and explore our history as written by those in the shadows.
Bill Dean on the Scene: Interview with Playwright Ted Lange. Video: Interview with Playwright Ted Lange on his upcoming play, "George Washington's Boy."
UF Soulfest
When: October 19, 2008, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Reitz Union North Lawn
The University of Florida's Homecoming begins with Soulfest, a multicultural and outdoor concert event which entails an evening of music, dance and art.
UF Health Science Center Diversity Dialogue, sponsored by the Sr. Vice President, Health Affairs, Office of Equity and Diversity Office
When: October 23, 2008, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: The HPNP (Health Professions, Nursing & Pharmacy) Auditorium at
the University of Florida Medical Center HPNP Building (rear of Shands at UF
Hospital)
Keynote speaker: The Honorable Louis Sullivan, M.D., former US Secretary of Health and Human Services and Founding Dean, Director and President Emeritus Morehouse School of Medicine. Questions' Please call 273-5310 for assistance.
UF Homecoming (Gator Growl)
When: October 24 - October 25, 2008
Location: O'Connell Center
23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Speaker
When: January 13, 2009, 7 pm
featuring TV Host, Author, and Speaker Keith Boykin
Sponsored by the Black Graduate Student Organization, ACCENT Speakers Bureau, and New Student Programs
Location: J. Wayne Reitz Grand Ballroom
Campus-wide Town Hall Forum
When: January 14 2009, 7:00 pm
Location: J. Wayne Reitz Grand Ballroom
MLK Candlelight Celebration
When: January 15, 2009, 7:30 pm
MLK Candlelight Celebration
Location: Reitz Union Amphitheater
Gatorship 2009
When: January 16 - 18, 2009
Leadership and diversity retreat
Florida Alternative Breaks Trips
Focus areas: low-income housing (Decatur, GA)
and environmental preservation (Orlando, FL)
Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative March
When: January 19, 2009, 12pm
Sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr.
Commission of Florida, Inc.
Downtown Community Plaza
Presidential Inauguration Viewing
When: January 20, 2009, 11 am
Location: Orange and Brew
Visions of the Promised Land': Examining Barack Obama's Election in the Context of the Civil Rights Movement and MLK's Legacy
When: January 20, 2009, 7 pm
Sponsored by Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, Graham Center for Public Service.
Location: Pugh Hall Ocora
Committee Members
- J. Courtney Cunningham, Esq., UF Board of Trustee (Honorary Co-Chairman)
- United States District Judge Stephan P. Mickle, Honorary Co-Chairman
- Ms. Melissa Bamba, Assistant Director, Center for the Study of Race & Race Relations, Levin College of Law
- Dr. Michael Blachly, Director, University of Florida Performing Arts Center
- Ms. Florida Bridgewater-Alford, Director, Community Relations, facilitating chairman
- Mr. Joel Buchanan, Archivist, African American history, Smathers Library
- Dr. Cynthia Moore Chestnut, Director, Shands Eastside Community Relations & Educational Coordination & Alachua County Commissioner
- Mr. Anthony Crenshaw, Director, Institute of Black Culture, Assistant Director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs
- Ms. Susan Crowley, Assistant VP for Community Relations
- Dr. Faye V. Harrison, Director, African American Studies Program Joint Professor of African American Studies & Anthropology
- Ms. Virginia Horton, Assistant Director of Club Relations and Special Interest Groups, Alumni Association
- Ms. Linda Jackson, president, Association of Black Alumni
- Ms. Katie Marquis, Director of Membership and Marketing, Alumni Association
- Ms. Evelyn Mickle, Retired Nurse, and one of the "firsts"
- Ms. Susan Stewart, Associate Director of Public Relations
- Mr. Carl Van Ness, UF Historian
- Mr. Larnell Vickers, BSU Vice President