A History of Florida: Through Black Eyes

by Marvin Dunn

I know Florida. I was born in Florida during the reign of Jim Crow and have lived to see black astronauts blasted into the heavens from Cape Canaveral. For three quarters of a century I have lived mostly in Florida. I have seen her flowers and her warts. This book is about both. People of African descent have been in Florida from the arrival of Ponce de Leon in 1513, yet our presence in the state is virtually hidden. A casual glance at most Florida history books depict African Americans primarily as laborers who are shown as backdrops to white history. The history of blacks in Florida has been deliberately distorted, omitted and marginalized. We have been denied our heroes and heroines. Our stories have mainly been left untold. This book lifts the veil from some of these stories and places African Americans in the very marrow of Florida history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Race, African American

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2017

Reviews

[Taniere Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. I found in extremely interesting to get history from a black perspective knowing the history I have been taught in the school system growing up in Florida. I recommend it to anyone interested in Florida History. It was a real eye opener as far as different accounts of the same events.

[Andy Dusablon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical story told by a historical actor.

I like how thorough the history lessons here are told. It was pretty rough grinding through the lynchings. So heartbreaking. The switch to Dr Dunn's personal narrative was an amazing insight to the unimaginable experiences that so many hard working and indomitable families were forced to endure during a shameful period of American history. The only reason I knew about this book is that the sham governor of Florida had been trying to whitewash southern history while making a bid for the presidency. Because of this disgusting politician, Dr Dunn was interviewed on one of the talking head channels and mentioned his book. Thank you sir.

[Alison Rini · Rating 5 out of 5]

So powerful to learn the stories of the many people who lived and worked and dreamed and persevered to get us to where we are today. Absolutely heartbreaking to read of the vicious and violent treatment Black Floridians were subjected to over and over, but it is essential to understand our country’s history, “warts and all”, as the author says. And the narrative is incredibly illuminating - so many details that give a much more nuanced understanding of where we are and how we got here. Like the author, I am an optimist and I believe in the healing power of stories and the possibility of a beautiful future.

Highly recommend, especially to anyone teaching Black History - so many examples of success and excellence.

[Norín Dollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all Floridians.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

important to read but almost insultingly boring