Inspiring Change Through Oral History, Stories, and Critical Dialogue
From Colored to Black is a multi-modal play that serves as a platform to explore the connections between systemic racism and health in the U.S. The play incorporates the oral histories of civil rights era Black activists and community leaders from Florida into an analytical framework designed to promote critical discussion. The play was constructed through community story circles and discussions conducted in Gainesville, Florida, and reflects the viewpoints of those who participated in the play-building process.
From Colored to Black is designed to shed light on the complicated and complex history of the United States and the lasting impacts of that history on today’s society. The stories and perspectives in this play can be placed into the larger context of American history. Although fixed in time and geographic location, the play can be useful to all Americans who wish to explore history, policy, and health in their communities.
Lessons
There are six lessons in this course. Each lesson highlights a historical vignette pulled from the full 90-minute play and critical dialogue linking the vignette to the present day. These excerpts are followed by several activities designed to promote reflection and critical dialogue. Facilitators can choose activities a la carte to bring into their classroom or community discussion groups.
The lessons highlight the following history and themes:
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2
3
4
5
6
The Ancient City: The St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement
Featuring the stories of civil rights activists during the St. Augustine Civil Rights movement of 1963-64, this vignette provides insight into the history of this significant moment in Florida/US history not often told.
It's Not Going To Be Easy
Featuring the stories of three women who supported civil rights leaders, this vignette explores women’s perspectives and contributions to the civil rights movement.
The Tenacious Terriers
Featuring the stories of those involved in the integration of old Lincoln High School in Gainesville, FL, this vignette discusses the costs of integration in the Black community.
Die or Go
Featuring the story of A.I. Dixie, this vignette highlights how farmworkers were treated in the 1930s in Central Florida.
Butler Beach
Featuring the story of Minnie May Butler, this vignette discusses how Frank Butler became a landowner and created Butler Beach – a beach for the Black community.
From Colored to Black
Featuring the story of the Reynolds family, this vignette discusses how integration dismantled the Black business district in Ocala, FL, and the lasting impacts of the Rosewood Massacre.
Audience: Community groups, college, high school (with discretion)
Materials: Access to the internet. Lessons are best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer.
Each lesson incorporates a vignette (approx. 8-11 minutes) plus activities.
Course Goals
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Analyze American History through the lens of Oral History
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Interpret and connect American History to current social issues through different perspectives
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Examine the connections between systemic racism and health
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Critically reflect through arts-based research and learning methods
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Promote and inspire civic engagement
Lesson 1
The Ancient City:
The St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement
Explore the oral histories of Black protestors who were part of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement of 1963-64.
Themes include:
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the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement
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women’s roles in the civil rights movement
Lesson 2
It's Not Going To Be Easy
An oral history vignette about the stories of Cora Tyson, Affie Wright, and Barbara Norris, focusing on the civil rights movement of North Central Florida.
Themes include:
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women’s roles in the civil rights movement
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racism and mental health
Lesson 3
The Tenacious Terriers
An oral history vignette about the stories of Lincoln High School in Gainesville, Florida, during segregation through integration.
Themes include:
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The cost of and lasting effects of integration on Black education and community
Note: You will find the facilitator guide in the lesson. It is posted here to provide a general overview.
Lesson 4
Die or Go
An oral history vignette about what it was like to work as a low-wage worker on the plantation in the early 1930s.
Themes include:
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Workers’ rights and safety
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History of slavery and the effect of racist policies
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Racial violence throughout history
Note: You will find the facilitator guide in the lesson. It is posted here to provide a general overview.
Lesson 5
Bulter Beach
An oral history vignette about Frank Butler and his involvement in the civil rights movement.
Themes include:
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The significance of redlining and racist policies on education and community health
Note: You will find the facilitator guide in the lesson. It is posted here to provide a general overview.
Lesson 6
From Colored to Black
An oral history vignette about the resettlement of Rosewood and the Ocala Black Business District.
Themes include:
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The Rosewood Massacre
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The loss of Black-owned businesses
