Five Facts about Pensacola and Black History Month
From the momentous time Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna found out about Pensacola in 1559 until today, the city has been a place of noteworthy events. We cannot dismiss the history of African Americans and their plight to fight for civil rights and excellence for the black community.
We have listed five facts about the city's vibrant African American heritage and milestones:
We have listed five facts about the city's vibrant African American heritage and milestones:
Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr.
Born in Pensacola in 1920, Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. was the first ever four-star general in the Air Force from the African American community. He was present in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and served the Air Force.
His childhood home in the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd was opened to the public in 2018 as General Daniel "Chappie" James Museum and Flight Academy.
His childhood home in the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd was opened to the public in 2018 as General Daniel "Chappie" James Museum and Flight Academy.
Abe's 506 Club
The Abe's 506 Club used to be a center of entertainment for African American located in the area of the historical neighborhood of Belmont-DeVillers. Some of the most famous names that graced the center are Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Tina Turner, Domino, and B.B. King.
There is also the Chitlin Circuit which is a collection of performance venues in the eastern, southern, and Midwest neighborhood that welcomes African American performers and entertainers in the midst of the racial segregation era. Justin GatlinJustin Gatlin won several Olympic medals and world championships throughout his athletic career. He got temporarily suspended twice for violation of rules but was able to return to compete and win.
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He is known for his career in the 100 and 200-meter track races. He even made it to the headlines in 2017 for bagging the first place at the World Championships for the 100-meter track. He beat Usain Bolt in the said competition. He is presently getting ready for the games in Tokyo in 2020.
The Pensacola Lunch Counter Sit-Ins
The establishment of the Pensacola Lunch Counter Sit-Ins resulted in the assimilation of cafes in downtown Pensacola. Protestors began conducting sit-ins in the city from 1960 to 1962. They aim for integration of restaurants in the town, so they sat-in different department store lunch counters.
During those times, protesters were physically and verbally harassed for wrong charges. On March 12, 1962, the lunch counters were integrated, and a historical marker was placed on Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola to commemorate the events. Click here for more information.
During those times, protesters were physically and verbally harassed for wrong charges. On March 12, 1962, the lunch counters were integrated, and a historical marker was placed on Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola to commemorate the events. Click here for more information.
Julee Panton
According to historians, Julee Panton, a free black woman, purchased her simple house in downtown Pensacola for $300 in 1805. It was the era of slavery for the black community. Panton had a business of selling candles and pastries, but it was believed that she helped several slaves to regain their freedom at that time. Today, her home was renamed Julee Cottage and made part of a complex of historic homes and other structures in downtown Pensacola.
It is now the only remaining Pensacola home with the urban Creole architecture design. You can visit the place from Tuesday to Saturday and explore its exhibit on the history of black in West Florida.
It is now the only remaining Pensacola home with the urban Creole architecture design. You can visit the place from Tuesday to Saturday and explore its exhibit on the history of black in West Florida.