University Relations Community Relations
50th Anniversary of UF's Integration
Florida Bridgewater-Alford
Director
PO Box 113158 (111 Tigert Hall)
Gainesville, FL 32611-3156
352-392-4567, ext. 603
E-mail: bridgefl@ufl.edu
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.
Current Events
Jim Haskins Reading Corner Debut
When: February 2
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
Location: Orange and Brew/O'Connell Center
Sponsored by UF Office of Community Relations
Florida Invitational Stepshow Pre-Reception
When: February 23
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
Location: Levin College of Law
One of five (first) black undergraduates accepted at UF in 1959
Kickoff to Black Legends Ball
When: April 4
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
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
UF Association of Black Alumni Welcome Back Weekend
When: Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
Sponsored by UF Association of Black Alumni
UF Homecoming
When: October 25
Black Legends Ball
Dinner, "Celebrating the Firsts" Program & National Artist Performance
When: February 7, 2009
Location: UF Cultural Plaza
Sponsored by UF Foundation and Alumni Affairs, UF Association of Black Alumni, Black Student Union, UF VP Office of University Relations
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